GENERIC NAME: propoxyphene
BRAND NAME: Darvon
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Propoxyphene is a medication
for pain.
It is an opioid analgesic (related to opium) similar to
methadone. The use
of opium is at least 2300 years old. In 1806, the first
alkaloid of opium
was isolated by Serturner. He called it morphine, after the
Greek god of
dreams, Morpheus. Codeine was identified in 1832. Propoxyphene
is half to
two-thirds as potent as codeine, meaning that 90 to 120mg of
propoxyphene
provides as much pain relief as 60mg of codeine. This is
comparable to the
pain relief achieved by 600mg of aspirin. Opioid analgesics,
including
propoxyphene, reduce pain by blocking the receptors in the
brain that are
involved in the perception (sensing) of pain. Because
combinations of
opioids (such as propoxyphene or codeine) and either aspirin or
acetaminophen produce additive pain relieving effects, they are
often
found in combination in drugs.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 65mg.
STORAGE: Capsules should be stored at room temperature,
between
15° (59°F) and 30°C (86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Propoxyphene is used for the symptomatic
treatment of mild to moderate pain.
DOSING: Propoxyphene usually is given every 4 hours as
needed
for the relief of pain.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Opioids such as propoxyphene can
slow bowel
motility. When combined with medications that possess
anticholinergic
activity, this affect on the bowel may be accentuated, leading
to marked
constipation. Such drugs include dicyclomine (Bentyl), some
antihistamines
[carbinoxamine (Rondec), clemastine (Tavist), diphenhydramine
(Benadryl),
promethazine (Phenergan)], some phenothiazines [e.g.
thioridazine
(Mellaril), triflupromazine (Stelazine)], some tricyclic
antidepressants
[e.g., amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine
(Anafranil), protriptyline (Vivactil)], clozapine (Clozaril),
cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and disopyramide (Norpace).
Propoxyphene has additive sedating effects with alcohol and
with other
drugs that can cause sedation such as the benzodiazepine class
of
anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax), the
tricyclic
class of antidepressants (e.g., Elavil, Tofranil, Norpramin),
dicyclomine
(Bentyl), certain antihistamines (Benadryl, Vistaril, Atarax,
Tavist), and
certain antihypertensive medications (e.g. Catapres,
Inderal).
PREGNANCY: There is very little information about the
effects on
the fetus of propoxyphene given to pregnant women. Physicians
may use it
if its benefits are felt to outweigh the potential (and
unknown) risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: Low
concentrations of propoxyphene have been measured in the breast milk of mothers taking propoxyphene. It
is not
known whether these small amounts can cause side effects in
nursing
infants.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent adverse reactions of
propoxyphene include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation,
nausea, and
vomiting. Other side effects include drowsiness, constipation,
and spasm
of the ureter, which can lead to difficulty in urinating.
Propoxyphene can depress breathing, and is used with caution
in elderly,
debilitated patients and in patients with serious lung disease.
Propoxyphene can impair thinking and the physical abilities
required for
driving or operating machinery. Propoxyphene may be habit
forming. Mental
and physical dependence can occur, but are unlikely when used
for
short-term pain relief.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- propoxyphene and acetaminophen, Darvocet - Depicts the medications propoxyphene and acetaminophen (Darvocet), which are drugs used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. Source:MedicineNet
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 3/26/1998 2:30:00 PM
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