Descriptions
Propoxyphene is a medication for treating pain. It is an opioid analgesic (related to opium) chemically similar to methadone. The use of opium is at least 2300 years old. In 1806, the first alkaloid of opium was isolated by Serturner. He called it morphine, after the Greek god of dreams, Morpheus. Codeine, another opioid analgesic was identified in 1832. Propoxyphene is half to two- thirds as potent as codeine, meaning that 90 to 120mg of propoxyphene provides as much pain relief as 60mg of codeine. This is comparable to the pain relief achieved by 600mg of aspirin. Opioid analgesics, including propoxyphene, reduce pain by blocking the receptors in the brain that are involved in the perception (sensing) of pain.

Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the threshold for pain. It reduces fever through its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain. The combination of propoxyphene and acetaminophen achieves greater pain relief than either drug taken alone. For more information please see acetaminophen.

Side effects
The most frequent adverse reactions of propoxyphene include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, and vomiting. Other side effects include drowsiness, constipation, and spasm of the ureter, which can lead to difficulty in urinating.

Propoxyphene can depress breathing and, therefore, is used with caution in elderly, debilitated patients and in patients with serious lung disease. Propoxyphene can impair thinking and the physical abilities required for driving or operating machinery. Propoxyphene may be habit forming. Mental and physical dependence can occur but are unlikely when it is used short-term.

For more information on acetaminophen, please see acetaminophen .

How to use
Propoxyphene and acetaminophen is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain.

Interaction
Opioids such as propoxyphene can reduce the activity of intestinal muscles. When combined with medications that possess anticholinergic activity, this effect on intestinal muscles may be accentuated leading to constipation. Such drugs include dicyclomine (Bentyl), some antihistamines [carbinoxamine (Rondec), clemastine (Tavist), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), promethazine (Phenergan)], some phenothiazines [e.g. thioridazine (Mellaril), triflupromazine (Stelazine)], some tricyclic antidepressants [e.g. amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), protriptyline (Vivactil)], clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and disopyramide (Norpace).

Propoxyphene adds to the sedating effects of alcohol and other drugs that can cause sedation such as the benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax), the tricyclic class of antidepressants (e.g., Elavil, Tofranil, Norpramin), dicyclomine (Bentyl), certain antihistamines (Benadryl, Vistaril, Atarax, Tavist), and certain antihypertensive medications (e.g., Catapres, Inderal).

For drug interactions of acetaminophen, please see acetaminophen.

Uses
Propoxyphene and acetaminophen is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain.

Storage
Capsules should be stored at room temperature, between 15° (59°F) and 30°C (86°F).