Drug Interactions between Alcohol (contained in alcoholic beverages) and propoxyphene

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.