Brand Name: Generic Darvocet
Generic Name: Propoxyphene and Acetaminophen
Darvocet [Propoxyphene & Acetaminophen] Description
This medicine is used for moderate pain and fever. Propoxyphene is a potent, narcotic pain-reliever and has a sedating effect. It's able to reduce the pain, though it may not relieve it altogether, and also works as a cough suppressant; while Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic analgesic with antipyretic qualities. These two together work on nerve signals in the brain to block the perception of pain and give greater relief than when taken separately, while Acetaminophen also brings down fever.
Uses of Darvocet
Darvocet tablets are given to individuals who have mild to moderate pain, which can be accompanied by fever. The medicine is approved for children above 12 years in age.
How to Use Darvocet
The dose depends on the age of the patient, and the medical condition. Take the dose exactly as prescribed with a glassful of water. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. It's important not to exceed the dose, for an overdose of Acetaminophen can seriously impair the liver, while Propoxyphene is habit-forming and can be fatal in high doses.
Side-effects of Davocet
Some of the common, less serious side effects may include:-
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness, or Dizziness
- Nausea, maybe even Vomiting
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Decreased libido
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in urinating
An allergic reaction such as:- itching, rash, difficulty in breathing/swallowing, swelling in the face, or hoarseness, means that you should stop the medicine and ask your doctor for help.
Overdose of Darvocet
If you think you've overdosed, contact your local poison control center or emergency room at once. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms can include: nausea/vomiting, irregular heartbeat, weak pulse-rate, confusion, perspiration, jaundice, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, unusual bruising/bleeding, bluish lips, or fainting.
Darvocet Interactions
Some of the medicines with which Darvocet interacts, are:-
- Anti-anxiety drugs/sedatives such as Diazepam, or Lorazepam
- MAO Is like Furazolidone, or Isocarboxazid
- Medicines to treat alcoholism such as Naltrexone
- Anti-cholingeric medicines like Glycopyrrolate, or Mepenzolate
- Anti-diarrheals such as Loperamide, or Diphonoxylate
- Anti-histamines that cause drowsiness like Diphenhydramine
How to Store Darvocet
After you buy Darvocet, keep the bottle properly capped and store it at a room temperature between 15C-30C, safe from heat, light and dampness. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Precautions of Darvocet
- Avoid taking alcohol while you take this therapy, as it can increase your drowsiness or dizziness.
- Low doses are given to geriatric/debilitated patients, or those having a lung disease, as Propoxyphene may cause depressed breathing, but such patients should be careful while taking this medicine.
- Before going in for any surgery, inform the surgeon/dentist that you are taking this medicine.
- As this medicine can cause unusual urine results, when you go to the lab, inform the doctor/technician that you are on this therapy.
Darvocet Notes
Read the Patient Information every time you buy a refill - it may have some new information. Your physician will be able to tell you more about the uses, side effects, interactions, and precautions associated with this medication.