Drug General Information (ID: DDIAFUNHD7)
Drug Name			Dextropropoxyphene		Drug Info		Ethanol		Drug Info
Drug Type		Small molecule				Small molecule
Therapeutic Class		Analgesics				Analgesics
Structure

Mechanism of Dextropropoxyphene-Ethanol Interaction (Severity Level: Major)
Additive CNS depression effects Click to Show/Hide Mechanism Graph
Drug Name		Dextropropoxyphene				Ethanol
Mechanism		CNS depression effects				CNS depression effects
Key Mechanism Factor 1
		Factor Name		CNS depression effects
		Factor Description		CNS depressants are drugs that inhibit or suppress brain activity and can reduce mental and physical processes. Excessive CNS depression can lead to decreased heart rate, slow breathing (less than 10 breaths per minute), extreme confusion or loss of memory, nausea and vomiting, poor judgment, blue lips or fingertips, irritability and aggression, and clammy or cold skin.
Mechanism Description		Additive CNS depression effects by the combination of Dextropropoxyphene and Ethanol

Recommended Action
Management		Caution is advised if propoxyphene is used with sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and other CNS depressants, particularly in the elderly and in patients with a history of emotional disturbances, suicidal ideation, or alcohol and drug abuse. Dosage reductions may be appropriate. Patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression and other CNS adverse effects. Patients should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages, to avoid alcohol, and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them.

References
1	Product Information. Darvon (propoxyphene). Lilly, Eli and Company, Indianapolis, IN.