ABSTRACT
Propoxyphene is well absorbed following oral ingestion. Peak blood concentrations are achieved within 3 hours. Propoxyphene is extensively metabolized in the liver and excreted almost entirely as metabolites in the urine. Long-term propoxyphene pharmacotherapy, or regular personal use, has been associated with the development of addiction and, particularly, habituation. Propoxyphene will only partially suppress the opiate analgesic withdrawal syndrome among people who are addicted to opiate analgesics. Propoxyphene has no real advantage over acetaminophen or aspirin for the symptomatic management of mild to moderate pain. Avoid prescribing propoxyphene when pain disorders can be managed by these or other nonopiate analgesics. Propoxyphene pharmacotherapy has been associated with dizziness; drowsiness; dysphoria or euphoria; GI complaints, including abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting; headache; insomnia; lightheadedness; paradoxical excitement; sedation; skin rash; and visual disturbances. Propoxyphene overdosage requires emergency symptomatic medical support of body systems with attention to increasing propoxyphene elimination.
