Balacet (acetaminophen/propoxyphene) and Alcohol / Food Interactions

There are 2 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with Balacet (acetaminophen/propoxyphene) which include:

GENERALLY AVOID: Chronic, excessive consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, which has included rare cases of fatal hepatitis and frank hepatic failure requiring liver transplantation. The proposed mechanism is induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes during chronic alcohol use, which may result in accelerated metabolism of acetaminophen and increased production of potentially hepatotoxic metabolites.

MANAGEMENT: In general, chronic alcoholics should avoid regular or excessive use of acetaminophen. Alternative analgesic/antipyretic therapy may be appropriate in patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day. However, if acetaminophen is used, these patients should be cautioned not to exceed the recommended dosage (maximum 4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older).

MONITOR CLOSELY: Sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants may have additive CNS- and/or respiratory-depressant effects with propoxyphene. Misuse of propoxyphene, either alone or in combination with other CNS depressants, has been a major cause of drug-related deaths, particularly in patients with a history of emotional disturbances, suicidal ideation, or alcohol and drug abuse. In a large Canadian study, propoxyphene use was also associated with a 60% increased risk of hip fracture in the elderly, and the risk was further increased by concomitant use of psychotropic agents (sedatives, antidepressants, neuroleptics), presumably due to additive psychomotor impairment. Therefore, these drugs may constitute a dangerous combination in certain susceptible populations.

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.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may have additive CNS- and/or respiratory-depressant effects with propoxyphene. Misuse of propoxyphene, either alone or in combination with other CNS depressants, has been a major cause of drug-related deaths, particularly in patients with a history of emotional disturbances, suicidal ideation, or alcohol and drug abuse.

MANAGEMENT: The use of alcohol during propoxyphene therapy should be avoided. Patients should be warned not to exceed the recommended dosage of propoxyphene and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them.

You should also know about...

Balacet (acetaminophen/propoxyphene) drug Interactions

There are 922 drug interactions with Balacet (acetaminophen/propoxyphene)

Balacet (acetaminophen/propoxyphene) disease Interactions

There are 19 disease interactions with Balacet (acetaminophen/propoxyphene) which include:

Alcoholism Liver Disease Impaired Gi Motility Infectious Diarrhea Liver Disease Prematurity Renal Dysfunction Acute Alcohol Intoxication Drug Dependence Hypotension

Intracranial Pressure Respiratory Depression Pku Adrenal Insufficiency Biliary Spasm Hypothyroidism Seizure Disorders Urinary Retention Arrhythmias

See also...

• Balacet (acetaminophen/propoxyphene) Side Effects
• Balacet (acetaminophen/propoxyphene) Consumer Information

• Drug Interactions Checker

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