Dextropropoxyphene

Feb 15, 2005 Viewed: 936

Alternative names 
Porpoxyphene hydrochloride; Propoxyphene overdose

Definition
Poisoning from an overdose of propoxyphene.

Poisonous Ingredient

Propoxyphene

Where Found

     
  • Darvocet  
  • Darvon  
  • Dolene  
  • Darvon-N

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

     
  • Body as a whole       o Muscle spasticity  
  • Respiratory       o Breathing slow and labored or shallow       o Breathing difficulties       o Breathing may stop, which can be fatal  
  • Eyes, ears, nose, and throat       o Pinpoint pupils       o Deafness  
  • Skin       o Cyanosis (blue fingernails or lips)       o Rash  
  • Gastrointestinal       o Vomiting       o Nausea       o Spasms of the stomach or intestinal tract (abdominal cramps)  
  • Heart and blood vessels       o Weak pulse       o Low blood pressure  
  • Nervous system       o Drowsiness       o Coma       o Seizures

Home Treatment
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.

Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:

     
  • The patient’s age, weight, and condition  
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)  
  • The time it was swallowed  
  • The amount swallowed  
  • If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed.

     
  • Use gastric lavage.  
  • Administer activated charcoal.  
  • Give a narcotic antagonist (multiple doses if needed).  
  • Administer intravenous fluids as needed.  
  • Monitor breathing.  
  • Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)
If an antidote can be given, recovery from an acute overdose occurs within 24 to 48 hours.

Johns Hopkins patient information

Last revised: December 2, 2012
by Arthur A. Poghosian, M.D.

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All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.