What is this medicine?
PROPOXYPHENE (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:
-dehydration
-depression
-drug abuse or addiction
-heart disease
-history of irregular heartbeat
-if you often drink alcohol
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems
-seizures
-suicide attempts or thoughts
-an unusual or allergic reaction to propoxyphene, methadone, opioid analgesics, 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 full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
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:
-rasagiline
-selegiline
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-alcohol
-antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
-barbiturates, like phenobarbital
-medicines for blood pressure or the heart like carvedilol, metoprolol, propanolol
-medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-medicines for pain
-medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, ethotoin, phenytoin
-medicines for sleep
-muscle relaxants
-stimulant medicines like dextroamphetamine and others
-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 the 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. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
The medicine may 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.
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
-light headedness or fainting spells
-seizures
-severe stomach pain
-slow or fast heartbeat
-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). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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Lactation
Compatible - This drug is generally safe to take by nursing mothers.
