Propoxyphene overdose

Definition:

Poisoning from an overdose of propoxyphene.

Alternative Names:

Porpoxyphene hydrochloride; Dextropropoxyphene

Poisonous Ingredient:

Propoxyphene

Where Found:

Darvocet
Darvon
Dolene
Darvon-N

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

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

Review Date: 12/14/2001
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.

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