What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Propoxyphene/Acetaminophen?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
- A lung problem, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cor pulmonale
- Problems with your pancreas or gallbladder
- A history of head injury
- An intestinal blockage (bowel obstruction)
- Depression
- Suicidal tendencies
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- A history of drug or alcohol dependence
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Propoxyphene (one of the active ingredients in the medication) is classified as a mild, centrally-acting, narcotic pain reliever. "Centrally-acting" means that it works in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Propoxyphene is chemically related to
methadone.
The other active ingredient in propoxyphene/
acetaminophen is acetaminophen (commonly known as "APAP"). It is a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in non-prescription medications such as
Tylenol. Adding acetaminophen to propoxyphene increases the effectiveness for relieving pain and also provides fever-reducing properties.
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