|
Propoxyphene-N-100
(acetaminophen & propoxyphene)
Brand
Name: Darvocet-N-100
Most
Common Medical Uses
Propoxyphene
(related to codeine) is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics.
It works by changing the way your body feels pain. Acetaminophen
is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of propoxyphene.
Together, acetaminophen and propoxyphene are used to relieve pain.
Acetaminophen and propoxyphene may also be used for purposes other
than those listed in this medication guide.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
acetaminophen and propoxyphene exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full
glass of water. Take acetaminophen and propoxyphene with food or
milk if it upsets your stomach. Never take more of this medication
than is prescribed for you. Too much acetaminophen and propoxyphene
could be very harmful. Do not stop taking acetaminophen and propoxyphene
suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5
to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and
make you feel uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce
your dose. Increase the amount of fiber and water (six to eight
full glasses daily) in your diet to prevent constipation.
Possible
Side Effects
If
you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
acetaminophen and propoxyphene 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; severe weakness or dizziness; unconsciousness;
yellowing of the skin or eyes; or unusual fatigue, bleeding, or
bruising. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to
occur. Continue to take acetaminophen and 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. Acetaminophen and propoxyphene is habit forming. Do not
stop taking it suddenly. Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Propoxyphene
is habit forming and should only be used under close supervision
if you have an alcohol or drug addiction. Propoxyphene should not
be taken if you suffer from depression or have suicidal thoughts.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney
disease; liver disease; asthma; an enlarged prostate; hypothyroidism;
seizures or epilepsy; gallbladder disease; a head injury; or Addison's
disease. You may not be able to take acetaminophen and propoxyphene,
or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above. Propoxyphene may
cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms as well as other harmful
effects in an unborn baby. Do not take acetaminophen and propoxyphene
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Propoxyphene
may also cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a nursing baby.
Do not take acetaminophen and propoxyphene without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are younger
than 18 years of age or older than 60 years of age, you may be more
likely to experience side effects from acetaminophen and propoxyphene
therapy. Use extra caution. This drug has not been approved for
use in children.
Drug
Interactions
Propoxyphene
may increase the effects of oral anticoagulants such as warfarin
(Coumadin) which could lead to bleeding. It may also increase the
effects of carbamazepine (Tegretol) leading to toxicity. Be sure
your doctor is aware if you are taking either of these medications.
Do not take acetaminophen and propoxyphene if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine
(Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous
side effects could result. The most serious interactions affecting
acetaminophen and propoxyphene are with those drugs that also cause
sedation. The following drugs may lead to dangerous sedation if
taken with acetaminophen and 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).
Do not take any of the drugs listed above without the approval of
your doctor. Many other drugs contain acetaminophen, especially
over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications. Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen
and propoxyphene. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Missed
Dose
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose
of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking
your next dose.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Remember,
keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication
only for the indication prescribed.
|
