PROPOXYPHENE HCL

Drug Name: PROPOXYPHENE HCL

PROPOXYPHENE HCL DESCRIPTION:
PROPOXYPHENE - ORAL (pro-POX-ee-feen)

COMMON PROPOXYPHENE HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Darvon, Darvon-N

PROPOXYPHENE HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, flushing or vision changes. If these 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. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PROPOXYPHENE HCL:
PROPOXYPHENE HCL: To prevent upset stomach, take with food or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Use PROPOXYPHENE HCL exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because PROPOXYPHENE HCL can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period, do not suddenly stop using PROPOXYPHENE HCL without your doctor's approval. Over time, PROPOXYPHENE HCL may not work as well. Consult your doctor if PROPOXYPHENE HCL is not relieving the pain sufficiently.

PROPOXYPHENE HCL WARNING:
Propoxyphene should 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 misused. Patients must not take more propoxyphene than prescribed.

PROPOXYPHENE HCL USES:
PROPOXYPHENE HCL is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

PROPOXYPHENE HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially 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 effects of PROPOXYPHENE HCL. PROPOXYPHENE HCL should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. PROPOXYPHENE HCL is excreted into breast milk. Though to date, no problems have been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PROPOXYPHENE HCL 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, drugs used for anxiety or depression. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PROPOXYPHENE HCL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

PROPOXYPHENE HCL NOTES:
Do not share PROPOXYPHENE HCL with others.

MISSED PROPOXYPHENE HCL 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 missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

PROPOXYPHENE HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.