What Is Propoxyphene/Acetaminophen Used For?

Propoxyphene/acetaminophen is a drug used for relieving mild to moderate pain, with or without a fever. It is a combination drug that contains both a narcotic and a pain reliever/fever reducer commonly found in over-the-counter products. At this time, there are no uses of propoxyphene/acetaminophen approved for children under the age of 12.

Propoxyphene/Acetaminophen Drug Information

Propoxyphene/Acetaminophen Uses

Propoxyphene/acetaminophen (Darvocet^®) is a prescription medication used to treat mild to moderate pain, with or without a fever. It contains two different medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) and propoxyphene napsylate (Darvon-N^®).

Propoxyphene/acetaminophen is used both for short-term pain (such as after a surgery or dental procedure) or for long-term pain control. Because it contains a narcotic, many healthcare providers like to limit propoxyphene/acetaminophen use to the shortest period of time possible (see Darvocet Addiction for more information).

How Does It Work?

Propoxyphene (one of the active ingredients in propoxyphene/acetaminophen) 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.

Can It Be Used in Children?

Propoxyphene/acetaminophen has not been adequately studied in children under 12 years of age and is not recommended for this age group.

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