Darvocet (Propoxyphene + acetaminophen): uses, side effects and safety
Propoxyphene (Darvocet, Darvocet-N) is a narcotic (opioid) analgesic combination product. It is a US Schedule IV controlled substance. It is prescription only (rx) and is no longer marketed in the US. Discontinued: on November 19, 2010 the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication recommending that health care providers cease prescribing propoxyphene (Darvocet and Darvon) because of serious safety risks, including overdose and death.
What is Propoxyphene?
Propoxyphene is the generic name for Darvocet, Darvocet-N, and belongs to the Narcotic (opioid) analgesic combination product class.
| Generic name | Propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen (tablet) |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Darvocet, Darvocet-N |
| Drug class | Narcotic (opioid) analgesic combination product |
| US legal status | US Schedule IV · Prescription only (Rx) · Product discontinued |
| Route | Oral |
| Prescription required | Yes |
How does Propoxyphene work?
Propoxyphene (dextropropoxyphene) is a narcotic analgesic structurally related to methadone; the label states the potency of propoxyphene napsylate is from two thirds to equal that of codeine. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic..
Serious side effects and warning signs
Seek emergency care for any of these
- narcotic overdose with respiratory depression, convulsions and coma
- myopathy from chronic propoxyphene overdosage
Suspected overdose or a bad reaction should be reported to Poison Control on 1-800-222-1222. That is staffed around the clock and is free.
Legal status of Propoxyphene
Propoxyphene is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. That placement is set out in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1308, and enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It carries restrictions on prescribing, storage, record-keeping and transfer.
Statutory reference: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-1308/subpart-B/section-1308.14.
Discontinued product
Discontinued: on November 19, 2010 the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication recommending that health care providers cease prescribing propoxyphene (Darvocet and Darvon) because of serious safety risks, including overdose and death.
Can you get Propoxyphene without a prescription?
Short answer: no. Propoxyphene is a prescription medication. Sites advertising it without one are either operating illegally or selling something other than what they claim. We explain the legal routes, the counterfeit problem and how to check a source in detail.
Read the full answer: Propoxyphene without a prescription →
Related medications
Butalbital
Non-opioid analgesic combination product (barbiturate, analgesic and stimulant)Medication information page.
Read more →Frequently asked questions
What is Propoxyphene used for?
See the approved uses section below.
What schedule is Propoxyphene in the United States?
Propoxyphene is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the US, listed at 21 CFR Part 1308. Schedule IV means the drug has a defined potential for abuse and is subject to federal record-keeping, storage and prescribing restrictions.
Sources & references
Important
This site provides educational information only and does not sell, prescribe or dispense medications. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. This page is not medical advice.