Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration of narcotic analgesics with antidiarrheal agents may have additive central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal (GI) system effects, and increase the risk of severe constipation or paralytic ileus and CNS depression.

MANAGEMENT: If concomitant use cannot be avoided, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS depression and constipation. Ambulatory patients should be counseled 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.