Acetaminophen and Propoxyphene

Why this is used

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.

How to take it

The combination of acetaminophen and propoxyphene comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4 hours as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take acetaminophen and propoxyphene exactly as directed. Propoxyphene can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.

Side effects

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Acetaminophen and propoxyphene may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
lightheadedness</li>
<li>
drowsiness</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
constipation</li>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
difficulty urinating</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
difficulty breathing</li>
<li>
mood changes</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Precautions

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. 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.

Overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Educational reference only — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber about Acetaminophen and Propoxyphene.