propoxyphene
(proe POX i feen)
Darvon, Darvon-N, PP-Cap
What is the most important information I should know about propoxyphene?
• Do not stop taking propoxyphene suddenly if you have been taking it continuouslyfor more than 5 to 7 days propoxyphene. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptomsand make you very uncomfortable propoxyphene. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce yourdose propoxyphene.
• Do not take propoxyphene if you suffer from depression or have suicidalthoughts propoxyphene.
• Propoxyphene will cause drowsiness and fatigue propoxyphene. Avoid alcohol, sleepingpills, antihistamines, sedatives, and tranquilizers except under the supervisionof your doctor propoxyphene. These may also make you drowsy propoxyphene.
• Propoxyphene will also cause constipation propoxyphene. Drink plenty of water (sixto eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect propoxyphene. Increasing the amountof fiber in your diet can also help to alleviate constipation propoxyphene.
• Never take more propoxyphene than is prescribed for you propoxyphene. If your painis not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor propoxyphene.
What is propoxyphene?
• Propoxyphene is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics propoxyphene. It relievespain propoxyphene.
• Propoxyphene is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain propoxyphene.
• Propoxyphene may also be used for purposes other than those listed inthis medication guide propoxyphene.
Who should not take propoxyphene?
• Propoxyphene is habit forming and should only be used under close supervisionif you have an alcohol or drug addiction propoxyphene.
• Propoxyphene should not be taken if you suffer from depression or havesuicidal thoughts propoxyphene.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
· kidney disease;
· liver disease;
· asthma;
· urinary retention;
· an enlarged prostate;
· hypothyroidism;
· seizures or epilepsy;
· gallbladder disease;
· a head injury; or
· Addison's disease propoxyphene.
• You may not be able to take propoxyphene, or you may require a lowerdose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditionslisted above propoxyphene.
• Propoxyphene may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms as well as otherharmful effects in an unborn baby propoxyphene. Do not take propoxyphene without first talkingto your doctor if you are pregnant propoxyphene.
• Propoxyphene may also cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a nursingbaby propoxyphene. Do not take propoxyphene without first talking to your doctor if you arebreast-feeding a baby propoxyphene.
• Children younger than 12 years of age should not take propoxyphene propoxyphene.
• If you are older than 60 years you may be more likely to experience sideeffects from propoxyphene therapy propoxyphene. Use extra caution propoxyphene.
How should I take propoxyphene?
• Take propoxyphene exactly as directed by your doctor propoxyphene. If you do not understandthese directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you propoxyphene.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water propoxyphene.
• Take propoxyphene with food or milk if it upsets your stomach propoxyphene.
• Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you propoxyphene. Too muchpropoxyphene could be very harmful propoxyphene. The maximum amount of propoxyphene thatcan be taken safely in one day is 390 mg (6 Darvon capsules) propoxyphene. Do not exceedthis amount propoxyphene.
• Do not stop taking propoxyphene suddenly if you have been taking it continuouslyfor more than 5 to 7 days propoxyphene. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptomsand make you feel uncomfortable propoxyphene. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce yourdose propoxyphene.
• Increase the amount of fiber and water (six to eight full glasses daily)in your diet to prevent constipation propoxyphene.
• Do not share this medication with anyone else propoxyphene.
• Store propoxyphene at room temperature away from moisture and heat propoxyphene.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember propoxyphene. Do not take a double doseof this medication propoxyphene. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking your nextdose propoxyphene.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention propoxyphene.
• Symptoms of a propoxyphene overdose include slow breathing, seizures,dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, coldand clammy skin, and small pupils propoxyphene.
What should I avoid while taking propoxyphene?
• Avoid alcohol while taking propoxyphene propoxyphene. Alcohol will greatly increasethe drowsiness and dizziness caused by propoxyphene and could be dangerous propoxyphene.
• Also avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistaminesexcept under the supervision of your doctor propoxyphene. These medications also may causedangerous sedation propoxyphene.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities propoxyphene. Propoxyphene may cause drowsiness propoxyphene. If you experience drowsiness,avoid these activities propoxyphene.
What are the possible side effects of propoxyphene?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop takingpropoxyphene and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· slow, weak breathing;
· seizures;
· cold, clammy skin;
· unconsciousness; or
· severe weakness or dizziness propoxyphene.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur propoxyphene. Continueto take propoxyphene and talk to your doctor if you experience
· constipation;
· dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
· dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;
· muscle twitches;
· sweating;
· itching;
· decreased urination; or
· decreased sex drive propoxyphene.
• Propoxyphene is habit forming propoxyphene. Do not stop taking it suddenly propoxyphene.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur propoxyphene. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome propoxyphene.
What other drugs will affect propoxyphene?
• Propoxyphene may increase the effects of oral anticoagulants such aswarfarin (Coumadin), which could lead to bleeding propoxyphene. It may also increase theeffects of carbamazepine (Tegretol), which could lead to dangerous side effects propoxyphene. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking either ofthese medications propoxyphene.
• Do not take propoxyphene if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine(Parnate) in the last 14 days propoxyphene. Dangerous side effects could result propoxyphene.
• The most serious interactions affecting propoxyphene are with those drugsthat also cause sedation propoxyphene. The following drugs may lead to dangerous sedationif taken with propoxyphene:
· antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others),diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Nytol, Compoz, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton,Teldrin, others), and others;
· tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and doxepin(Sinequan), and serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline(Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil);
· other commonly used antidepressants, including amoxapine (Asendin),clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline(Pamelor), and protriptyline (Vivactil);
· anticholinergics such as belladonna (Donnatal), clidinium (Quarzan),dicyclomine (Bentyl, Antispas), hyoscyamine (Levsin, Anaspaz), ipratropium (Atrovent),propantheline (Pro-Banthine), and scopolamine (Transderm-Scop);
· phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin),thioridazine (Mellaril), and prochlorperazine (Compazine); and
· tranquilizers and sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal),amobarbital (Amytal), secobarbital (Seconal), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium),lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Prosom), and temazepam (Restoril) propoxyphene.
• Do not take any of the drugs listed above without the approval of yourdoctor propoxyphene.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with propoxyphene propoxyphene. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines propoxyphene.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about propoxyphene writtenfor health professionals that you may read propoxyphene.
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