Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PROPOXYPHENE - ORAL

(pro-POX-ee-feen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Darvon, Darvon-N

WARNING: Propoxyphene should be used with extreme caution, if at all, in people who use alcohol; have a history of substance abuse or emotional conditions; or who already take drowsiness-causing drugs (e.g., antidepressants, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, sedatives). Fatalities have occurred in such patients when propoxyphene was misused. Patients must not take more propoxyphene than prescribed.

Uses

This medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

How To Use

To prevent upset stomach, take with food or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Over time, this drug may not work as well. Consult your doctor if this medication is not relieving the pain sufficiently.

Side Effects

May cause constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, flushing or vision changes. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: irregular heartbeats, anxiety, tremors, confusion, depression, low blood pressure, fainting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, seizures. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver disease, breathing problems, alcohol and/or drug abuse, colitis or other intestinal/stomach problems, severe diarrhea, head injury, heart problems, drug allergies. Use caution when engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving. Limit alcohol intake because it may add to the dizziness/drowsiness effects of this medication. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication is excreted into breast milk. Though to date, no problems have been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all the medicines you may use both prescription and nonprescription, especially of: carbamazepine, cimetidine, ritonavir, other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, drugs used for anxiety or depression. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.