Propoxyphene overdose is poisoning from an overdose of propoxyphene.

Propoxyphene

• Darvocet
• Darvon
• Dolene
• Darvon-N

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

• Body as a whole
  • Muscle spasticity
• Respiratory
  • Breathing slow and labored or shallow
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Breathing may stop, which can be fatal
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Deafness
• Skin
  • Cyanosis (blue fingernails or lips)
  • Rash
• Gastrointestinal
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Spasms of the stomach or intestinal tract (abdominal cramps )
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Weak pulse
  • Low blood pressure
• Nervous system
  • Drowsiness
  • Coma
  • Seizures

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

Some or all of the following may be performed or given:

• Gastric lavage 
• Activated charcoal
• Narcotic antagonist (multiple doses if needed)
• Intravenous fluids
• Monitoring of breathing
• Treatment of other symptoms

If an antidote can be given, recovery from an acute overdose occurs within 24 - 48 hours.