Propoxyphene

Propoxyphene is a narcotic analgesic drug that was initially introduced in the United States in 1957 by Eli Lilly and Company. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and as an antitussive. It can be used alone or in combination with acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Propoxyphene is a weak opioid and is an analogue of methadone. The drug is an agonist of the mu-opioid receptor. Its structure is similar to that of methadone. The drug is metabolized in the liver, primarily by the enzyme CYP3A4.

Side effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of propoxyphene include dizziness, sedation, nausea, and vomiting. More serious side effects may include respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, and dependence.

History[edit | edit source]

Propoxyphene was initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1957. However, due to concerns about its safety and effectiveness, the drug was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2010.

Legal status[edit | edit source]

In the United States, propoxyphene is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that it has a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.

See also[edit | edit source]

Propoxyphene Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.