d. Cautions and Contraindications. This drug is addicting and should be used
with the same caution that is necessary with the opiates. The contraindications to the
use of the drug are the same as those for morphine.
e. Supply. Meperidine hydrochloride is supplied as 50-mg tablets, in 30-ml
vials containing 50 mg per ml, and in cartridge- needle units in a size of 1 or 2 ml, both
sizes containing only 1 ml of solution. The strength of the solutions in either size may
be 50 mg, 75 mg, or 100 mg per ml. The use of the cartridge-needle units requires the
precautions cited previously. The period of potency of the drug in these units is 24
months.
3-25. PROPOXYPHENE HYDROCHLORIDE
a. Action and Uses. Propoxyphene (Darvon) is chemically and
pharmacologically related to a narcotic called methadone. It possesses analgesic
properties, but not anti-inflammatory or antipyretic effects. It is indicated for mild to
moderate pain, but its superiority to aspirin for relief of pain is questionable.
b. Usual Dosage. The usual dosage is 65 mg, 3 to 4 times daily as needed for
pain.
c. Cautions and Warnings.
(1) This preparation may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required
to drive a car or operate machinery, especially during the first few days of therapy.
(2) This drug should be used cautiously in pregnant women and children
due to the fact that adequate data on safety with these clients is lacking.
(3) Clients who receive this product for long periods of time may develop
physical dependence, psychological dependence, and tolerance.
(4) Clients who have received other narcotic drugs for long periods of time
may have developed physical dependence, and the sudden substitution of
propoxyphene may cause acute withdrawal symptoms, because of the fact that
propoxyphene will not support dependence upon other narcotics.
d. Adverse Reactions.
(1) Nausea, vomiting, sedation, dizziness, constipation, and skin rash are
the more common adverse reactions.
(2)
Development of morphine-type drug dependence has been reported.
MD0913
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