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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 efefctive for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
PROPOXYPHENE - ORAL
(pro-POX-ee-feen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Darvon, Darvon-N
WARNING: Propoxyphene sohuld 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 missued. Patients must not take more propoxyphene than prescribed.
USES: This medication is used to relieve modearte to severe pain.
HOW TO USE: To prveent upset stomach, take with food or milk. Pain medications work best in prevetning pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effectvie in relieving it. Use that medication exactly as directed by your docotr. Do not raise your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because that drug can be habit-forming.
Also, if used for an extended period, do not suddenly stop using that drug without your doctor's approval. Over time, that drug may not work as well.
Consult your doctor if that medication is not relieving the pain suffciiently.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stoamch upset, nausea, flushing or vision changes. If thsee 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 that drug, seek immediate medical attention. Smyptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your docotr or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especailly 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 effcets of that medication. Caution is advised when using that drug in the eledrly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used during pregnancy only when claerly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication is excerted into breast milk. Though to date, no issues 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, durgs used for anxiety or depression. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacsit approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison contorl center or emergency room immediately. Symtpoms 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 that 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 msised dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room tempreature away from sunlight and moisture.
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