Propoxyphene

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to decrease pain.

How does it work?

• Propoxyphene binds to brain receptors, relieving pain. The feeling of pain and a person's response to pain are also decreased.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
• Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
• If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects. You could feel sleepy and shaky.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you have lung disease. You may be more sensitive to this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are a heavy drinker. Alcohol does not mix well.
• Do not take more than 6 tablets or capsules per day (maximal dose).
• Tell healthcare provider if you are taking carbamazepine. You will need another pain medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, dizzy, or having blurred vision. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk to healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

What should I monitor?

• Keep a diary of how well your pain is controlled. If not well controlled, talk with healthcare provider.
• If no bowel movements in 3 days, talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Difficult breathing.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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