Dextropropoxyphene
Description
Dextropropoxyphene is an opioid pain medicine used to relieve mild to moderately severe pain associated with cancer. It may also be used in a combination with other medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen for treating pain. This medicine should be used with extreme caution in children and only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Dextropropoxyphene
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Itching of skin
Uses of Dextropropoxyphene
What is it prescribed for?
- Mild to Moderate pain
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 20-30 minutes of administration of the dose.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 4 to 6 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, etc. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
- Is it habit forming?This medicine may be habit-forming in some cases, especially after a prolonged use.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to dextropropoxyphene or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO)
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients receiving therapy with monoamine oxidase inhibitors due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Suicidal tendencies
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of suicidal tendencies. This risk is especially higher in young patients and in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders. Patients should be closely monitored for any change in mood or behavior. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Driving or Operating machinery
Use of this medicine may cause symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, etc. in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Use in Pediatrics
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established. However, your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. In such a case, the patient should be monitored closely for any undesirable side effects.
Drug Dependence
This medicine has the potential to cause drug dependence and abuse. This risk is especially higher if the medicine is used for a prolonged period of time. Patients should be monitored closely for any change in mood and behavior during treatment with this medicine. Abrupt discontinuation is not recommended since it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal of therapy should be done gradually with close monitoring of the patient.
Liver diseases
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Kidney diseases
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of renal function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, etc. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine
CNS depressants
CYP3A4 inhibitors
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine with or without food, as advised by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. This, in turn, relieves a mild-to-moderate pain.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Opioid Analgesic
Schedule
Schedule H
Dextropropoxyphene - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 6 August 2018]. Available from:
Disorders A, Disorders B, Diseases D, Disorders G, Pediatrics G, Disorders G et al. Dextropropoxyphene: Mechanism, Indication, Contraindications, Dosing, Adverse Effect, Interaction, Drug Details | Pediatric Oncall [Internet]. Pediatriconcall.com. 2018 [cited 6 August 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 9 Aug 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.