APAP AND PROPOXYPHENE

Who is APAP and Propoxyphene for ?

This combination of drugs is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. The drug also will help treat fever. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Acetaminophen and propoxyphene is a combination pain medication that contains a simple analgesic (acetaminophen) and a narcotic (propoxyphene). Acetaminophen works by suppressing your body’s production of certain chemicals that cause pain. Propoxyphene raises your pain threshold and blunts your brain’s perception of pain.

When should I be careful taking APAP and Propoxyphene ?

Propoxyphene in high doses, taken by itself or in combination with other drugs, has been associated with drug-related deaths. Do not take propoxyphene in combination with other drugs that cause drowsiness: alcohol, tranquilizers, sleep aids, antidepressant drugs, or antihistamines. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.

Before taking acetaminophen and propoxyphene,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acetaminophen, propoxyphene, sulfite, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol); anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants; medications for cough, cold, or allergies; sedatives; seizure medications; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, a history of alcoholism, lung or thyroid disease, prostatic hypertrophy, or urinary retention.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking acetaminophen and propoxyphene, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking acetaminophen and propoxyphene.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

APAP and Propoxyphene Side Effects

Although side effects from acetaminophen and propoxyphene are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• constipation
• stomach pain
• rash
• difficulty urinating

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing
• mood changes