Propoxyphene

Also indexed as: Darvon®, Darvon®-N, Dextropropoxyphene, Doloxene®

Combination drugs: Co-Proxamol, Coalgesic®, Darvocet® N, Darvon® Compound, Distalgesic®, Propacet 100®, Wygesic®

Propoxyphene is a narcotic analgesic used to relieve mild to moderate pain. Propoxyphene is available alone and in combination with other drugs.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details.	Fibre
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Propoxyphene may cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset. Propoxyphene-containing products may be taken with food to reduce or prevent GI upset.¹ A common side effect of narcotic analgesics is constipation.² Increasing dietary fibre (especially vegetables and whole-grain foods) and water intake can ease constipation.

Alcohol
Propoxyphene may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Alcohol may intensify these effects and increase the risk of accidental injury.³ To prevent problems, people taking propoxyphene should avoid alcohol.

References
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1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Narcotic Agonist Analgesics. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1990, 242–3v.

2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Narcotic Agonist Analgesics. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1990, 242–3v.

3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Narcotic Agonist Analgesics. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1990, 242–3v.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

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Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds