Darvocet

Generic Name: acetaminophen and propoxyphene (a SEET a MIN oh fen and proe POX i feen).

Brand Names: Balacet, Darvocet A500, Darvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, Propacet 100.

Symptoms of Darvocet

Overdosage-The manifestations of acute overdosage with propoxyphene are those of narcotic overdosage. The patient is usually somnolent but may be stuporous or comatose and convulsing. Respiratory depression is characteristic. The ventilatory rate and/or tidal volume is decreased, which results in cyanosis and hypoxia. Pupils, initially pinpoint, may become dilated as hypoxia increases. Cheyne-Stokes respiration and apnea may occur. Blood pressure and heart rate are usually normal initially, but blood pressure falls and cardiac performance deteriorates, which ultimately results in pulmonary edema and circulatory collapse, unless the respiratory depression is corrected and adequate ventilation is restored promptly. Cardiac arrhythmias and conduction delay may be present. A combined respiratory-metabolic acidosis occurs owing to retained CO2 (hypercapnia) and to lactic acid formed during anaerobic glycolysis. Acidosis may be severe if large amounts of salicylates have also been ingested. Death may occur.

Precaution

Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for other conditions unless directed by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (e.g., stimulant-type).

Darvocet Oral Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenobarbital), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), tranquilizers.

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

In addition, check the labels on other pain relievers, fever reducers, or cold products before you take them to see if they contain acetaminophen. Consult your pharmacist for more details.

Storage

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.