Dextropropoxyphene, manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, is an analgesic in the opioid category. It is used to treat mild pain and is additionally an anti-tussive and local anesthetic.
Dextropropoxyphene is sometimes combined with acetaminophen or acetylsalicylic acid. Trade-names include Darvocet-N and Di-Gesic[2] Darvon with APAP for dextropropoxyphene and paracetamol and Darvon with ASA for dextropropoxyphene and aspirin.[3] The paracetamol combination(s) are known as Capadex or Di-Gesic in Australia, Lentogesic in South Africa, and Di-Antalvic in France. The paracetamol preparation is known as co-proxamol in the UK, but has been withdrawn since 2007 and is no longer available to new patients.
| Acetaminophen-Propoxyphene Napsylate Dosages & Strengths | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Format | Route | Strength | Class |
| Acetaminophen-Propoxyphene Napsylate napsylate 650 mg-100 mg | tablet | oral | 1.0 each | OTC |
| Acetaminophen-Propoxyphene Napsylate napsylate 650 mg-100 mg | tablet | oral | 1.0 each | OTC |
| Acetaminophen-Propoxyphene Napsylate napsylate 325 mg-50 mg | tablet | oral | 1.0 each | OTC |
| Acetaminophen-Propoxyphene Napsylate napsylate 325 mg-50 mg | tablet | oral | 1.0 each | OTC |
| Acetaminophen-Propoxyphene Napsylate napsylate 500 mg-100 mg | tablet | oral | 1.0 each | OTC |
acetaminophen - An acetanilide with analgesic and antipyretic activity. Although the exact mechanism through which acetaminophen exert its effects has yet to be fully determined, this agent probably acts by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system (CNS). Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS results in elevation of the pain threshold and lowering of the thermal set point in the hypothalamus.
propoxyphene napsylate - A synthetic diphenyl propionate derivative structurally related to methadone, Propoxyphene Napsylate acts as a central narcotic and analgesic agent by interaction with mu opioid receptors, but with less selectivity then morphine. The dextro-isomer has analgesic effect, while the levo-isomer exerts an antitussive effect. The napsylate salt allows better dosage formulation than the hydrochloride salt. (NCI04)