GENERIC NAME: PROPOXYPHENE HCL WITH ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL (pro-POX-ee-feen HCL WITH ah-seet-ah-MEE-no-fen)

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Propoxyphene should be used with extreme caution, if at all, in patients who have a history of substance/drug/alcohol abuse, depression with suicidal tendency, or who already take medications that cause drowsiness (e.g., antidepressants, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, sedatives, tranquilizers). Fatalities have occurred in such patients when propoxyphene was misused. It is important not to take more of this medication than prescribed.

USES: This medication is a combination of a narcotic (propoxyphene) and a non-narcotic (acetaminophen). It is used to treat mild to moderate pain. Propoxyphene works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord while acetaminophen decreases the formation of prostaglandins which relieves pain.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs, however, the drug may not work as well. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to reduce stomach upset (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with minimal head movement). Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Pain medications work best if used when the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain worsens, the medication may not work as well. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose of propoxyphene hydrochloride (390 mg per day). Do not increase your dose, take it more often or use it longer than prescribed because it can be habit-forming. If this drug is prescribed for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using it without your doctor's approval. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more of it than recommended (see Side Effects section).