Strength Qty   Propoxyphene-N-100 60 Tablets Generic Darvocet-N-100

Propoxyphene-N-100 (acetaminophen & propoxyphene)
Brand Name: Darvocet-N-100

The following product information is not intended to replace the physician's or manufacturer's instructions.

Most Common Medical Uses
Propoxyphene (related to codeine) is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It works by changing the way your body feels pain. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of propoxyphene. Together, acetaminophen and propoxyphene are used to relieve pain. Acetaminophen and propoxyphene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How to Take This Medication
Take acetaminophen and propoxyphene exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take acetaminophen and propoxyphene with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much acetaminophen and propoxyphene could be very harmful. Do not stop taking acetaminophen and propoxyphene suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you feel uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose. Increase the amount of fiber and water (six to eight full glasses daily) in your diet to prevent constipation.

Possible Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen and propoxyphene and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); slow, weak breathing; seizures; cold, clammy skin; severe weakness or dizziness; unconsciousness; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or unusual fatigue, bleeding, or bruising. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take acetaminophen and propoxyphene and talk to your doctor if you experience constipation; dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite; dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness; muscle twitches; sweating; itching; decreased urination; or decreased sex drive. Acetaminophen and propoxyphene is habit forming. Do not stop taking it suddenly. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Precautions
Propoxyphene is habit forming and should only be used under close supervision if you have an alcohol or drug addiction. Propoxyphene should not be taken if you suffer from depression or have suicidal thoughts. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; liver disease; asthma; an enlarged prostate; hypothyroidism; seizures or epilepsy; gallbladder disease; a head injury; or Addison's disease. You may not be able to take acetaminophen and propoxyphene, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Propoxyphene may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms as well as other harmful effects in an unborn baby. Do not take acetaminophen and propoxyphene without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Propoxyphene may also cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a nursing baby. Do not take acetaminophen and propoxyphene without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are younger than 18 years of age or older than 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from acetaminophen and propoxyphene therapy. Use extra caution. This drug has not been approved for use in children.

Drug Interactions
Propoxyphene may increase the effects of oral anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) which could lead to bleeding. It may also increase the effects of carbamazepine (Tegretol) leading to toxicity. Be sure your doctor is aware if you are taking either of these medications. Do not take acetaminophen and propoxyphene if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result. The most serious interactions affecting acetaminophen and propoxyphene are with those drugs that also cause sedation. The following drugs may lead to dangerous sedation if taken with acetaminophen and propoxyphene: antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Nytol, Compoz, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), and others; tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and doxepin (Sinequan), and serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil); other commonly used antidepressants, including amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and protriptyline (Vivactil); anticholinergics such as belladonna (Donnatal), clidinium (Quarzan), dicyclomine (Bentyl, Antispas), hyoscyamine (Levsin, Anaspaz), ipratropium (Atrovent), propantheline (Pro-Banthine), and scopolamine (Transderm-Scop);phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), thioridazine (Mellaril), and prochlorperazine (Compazine); and tranquilizers and sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), secobarbital (Seconal), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Prosom), and temazepam (Restoril). Do not take any of the drugs listed above without the approval of your doctor. Many other drugs contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen and propoxyphene. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking your next dose.

Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Notes
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.