What is Darvocet?

• Darvocet is a drug that combines propoxyphene and acetaminophen. Propoxyphene belongs to the class of drugs known as narcotic pain relievers. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever that enhances the effects of propoxyphene.
• Darvocet helps treat mild to moderate pain that is associated with or without fever. Darvocet is no longer available in the United States. There may be generic versions available. You can order Darvocet online or from a local pharmacy store.

Important Information

Propoxyphene can be habit-forming. Keep Darvocet in a safe place where others will not be able to access it. Do not take an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), furazolidone (Furoxone), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate), do not take Darvocet.

What to know before taking Darvocet?

Before using Darvocet, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Liver or kidney disease
• Breathing disorders COPD, asthma, or sleep apnea
• A gallbladder or pancreas disorder
• Brain tumor or a history of head injury 
• A stomach or intestinal disorder
• A history of drug or alcohol addiction or mental illness
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Do not take Darvocet if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or propoxyphene. Propoxyphene can be habit-forming. You should only use this drug if you have a prescription.

Never give Darvocet to someone else, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep Darvocet in a location where others will not be able to access it. If you have used an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate), do not take Darvocet.

A dangerous drug interaction could occur, resulting in serious side effects. Inform your doctor if you consume more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease in the past (cirrhosis). You may be unable to take medication that contains acetaminophen. Darvocet may cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.

However, it is unknown whether it is harmful to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant during treatment, let your doctor know. Acetaminophen and propoxyphene are both known to pass into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. Do not take Darvocet if you are breastfeeding a baby without first consulting your doctor.

How to take Darvocet?

• Take Darvocet as prescribed by your doctor. Take no more or less than the recommended dose or for longer than the recommended time. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if your pain medication is not working as well as it used to. You can buy Darvocet online with a prescription.
• An acetaminophen overdose can harm your liver. If you suddenly stop taking Darvocet, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. When you stop taking Darvocet, talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• If you need surgery, let your doctor know you are taking acetaminophen and propoxyphene. Your doctor may suggest you to take a break from taking this medication for a short time.
• Darvocet should be kept away from moisture and heat at room temperature. Keep a record of how much medicine you have used from each new bottle. Propoxyphene is a commonly abused drug, and you should be aware if someone is misusing your medicine or using it without a prescription.

Dosage

• The recommended dose for adults is 1-2 tablets every 4 hours as needed.
• Adults should not exceed 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose or 4 grams (4,000 mg) per day of acetaminophen. Do not exceed 2 grams (2000 mg) of acetaminophen per day if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day.

Overdose

Darvocet overdose can be fatal. The overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, extreme drowsiness, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), pinpoint or dilated pupils, confusion, seizure (convulsions), weak pulse, cold and clammy skin, blue lips, slow or uneven heart rate, shallow breathing, fainting, or breathing that stops.

What to avoid while using Darvocet?

• Darvocet has the potential to impair your thinking and reactions. If you drive or do anything else that requires you to be alert, be cautious.
• Before taking any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen. Taking certain medications together can result in an overdose of acetaminophen. Look at the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP. If you consume alcohol while using Darvocet, certain side effects may increase.

Darvocet side effects 

Common Darvocet side effects include:

• Feeling dizzy or drowsy
• Mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation
• Headache, blurred vision
• Dry mouth

If you have serious side effects, contact your doctor right away. Some serious side effects include:

• Slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, feeling like you might pass out
• Confusion, unusual thoughts, or behavior
• Stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Chest pain, feeling short of breath
• Seizure (convulsions)

What drugs can interact with Darvocet?

Cold or allergy medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or seizure medication may make you sleepy or slow your breathing. If you take any of these or other narcotic medications on a regular basis, tell your doctor. Tell your doctor about all other drugs you use, especially:

1. Birth control pills
2. Dexamethasone such as Decadron, Hexadrol
3. Antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate), or rifapentine (Priftin)
4. Seizure medicines such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), phenytoin (Dilantin), and others
5. Antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend)
6. Blood thinners such as warfarin or Coumadin, aspirin 
7. HIV or AIDS drugs such as fosamprenavir (Lexiva), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), zidovudine (Retrovir), and others
8. A barbiturate such as phenobarbital (Solfoton)
9. An antidepressant such as nefazodone
10. Medicines for heart or blood pressure such as diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), propranolol (Inderal), and others