PP-CAP

Drug Name: PP-CAP

PP-CAP DESCRIPTION:
PROPOXYPHENE - ORAL (pro-POX-ee-feen)

COMMON PP-CAP BRAND NAME(S):
Darvon, Darvon-N

PP-CAP SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, flushing or vision changes. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: irregular heartbeats, anxiety, tremors, confusion, depression, low blood pressure, fainting, yellowing of the eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PP-CAP:
PP-CAP: To prevent upset stomach, take with food or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Use PP-CAP exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because PP-CAP can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period, do not suddenly stop using PP-CAP without your doctor's approval. Over time, PP-CAP may not work as well. Consult your doctor if PP-CAP is not relieving the pain sufficiently.

PP-CAP WARNING:
Propoxyphene should be used with extreme caution, if at all, in people who use alcohol; have a history of substance abuse or emotional conditions; or who already take drowsiness-causing drugs (e.g., antidepressants, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, sedatives). Fatalities have occurred in such patients when propoxyphene was misused. Patients must not take more propoxyphene than prescribed.

PP-CAP USES:
PP-CAP is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

PP-CAP PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver disease, breathing problems, alcohol and/or drug abuse, colitis or other intestinal/stomach problems, severe diarrhea, head injury, heart problems, drug allergies. Use caution when engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving. Limit alcohol intake because it may add to the dizziness/drowsiness effects of PP-CAP. PP-CAP should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. PP-CAP is excreted into breast milk. Though to date, no problems have been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PP-CAP DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all the medicines you may use both prescription and nonprescription, especially of: carbamazepine, cimetidine, ritonavir, other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, drugs used for anxiety or depression. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PP-CAP OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

PP-CAP NOTES:
Do not share PP-CAP with others.

MISSED PP-CAP DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

PP-CAP STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.