Acetaminophen; Propoxyphene napsylate tablets

What is this medicine?

ACETAMINOPHEN; PROPOXYPHENE (a set a MEE noe fen; proe POX i feen) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Addison's disease
-brain tumor
-dehydration
-drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
-drug abuse or addiction
-head injury
-heart disease
-history of irregular heartbeat
-kidney disease or problems going to the bathroom
-liver disease
-lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems
-mental problems
-an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, propoxyphene, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. If the medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take more than you are told to take.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What if I miss a dose?

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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

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-Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-carbamazepine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-alcohol or medicines that contain alcohol
-antihistamines
-barbiturates like phenobarbital
-benzodiazepines (medicines for anxiety or sleep)
-medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-medicines for pain
-medicines for seizures
-medicines for sleep
-muscle relaxants
-warfarin

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take this medicine for a long time.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking this medicine or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that may be dangerous until you know how the medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly.

This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.

Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous. Do not take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or medicines that contain acetaminophen with this medicine. Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen. Always read the labels carefully.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing difficulties, wheezing
-confusion
-fast or irregular heartbeat
-feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-hallucinations
-severe stomach pain
-yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-dizziness
-drowsiness
-headache
-nausea
-vomiting

Where should I keep my medicine?

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Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.

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Lactation

Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.