Brand Name(s): Darvon Puvules, Darvon-N
Generic Name Propoxyphene
What are propoxyphene capsules or tablets?
PROPOXYPHENE (Darvon®, Darvon-N®) relieves moderate to severe pain. Propoxyphene can be combined in tablets with acetaminophen. Federal law prohibits the transfer of propoxyphene to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic propoxyphene tablets, but not capsules, are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•diarrhea
•liver disease
•depression or emotional difficulties
•heart disease
•kidney disease
•lung disease or breathing difficulties
•seizures
•an unusual or allergic reaction to propoxyphene, methadone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take propoxyphene tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. If propoxyphene upsets your stomach, you can take it with food or milk. Do not take more than 6 tablets or capsules a day. Do not share this medicine with anyone.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with propoxyphene?
•doxercalciferol
•medicines for diabetes
•medicines for high blood pressure
•medicines for seizures, especially carbamazepine
Because propoxyphene can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of propoxyphene. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
•alcohol and alcohol-containing medicines
•barbiturates such as phenobarbital
•certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
•muscle relaxants
•certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking propoxyphene?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
•breathing difficulties, wheezing
•seizures
•slow or fast heartbeat
•severe rash
More common:
•confusion
•lightheadedness or fainting spells
•nervousness or restlessness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•clumsiness, unsteadiness
•constipation
•dizziness, drowsiness
•headache
•nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while taking propoxyphene?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your pain does not go away. Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are being prescribed propoxyphene continuously around-the-clock for pain, do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking propoxyphene. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how propoxyphene affects you. Stand or sit up slowly, this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking propoxyphene for a couple of days.
Be careful taking other medicines which may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking these medicines with propoxyphene. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while taking propoxyphene.
Propoxyphene may cause constipation with long-term use. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2—3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more call your prescriber or health care professional.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Visit the dentist regularly.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking propoxyphene.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else. Avoid accidental swallowing of propoxyphene by someone (especially children) other than the person for whom it was prescribed as this may result in severe effects and possibly death.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:08/30/2005 |
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