User:Mr. Ibrahem/Dextropropoxyphene

Dextropropoxyphene, which has been sold under the brand name Darvon among others, is a pain medication in the opioid category. It has been used for pain but the benefits are similar to paracetamol (acetaminophine) and less than ibuprofen. An equivalent amount has half the strength of codeine. It is taken by mouth. Onset of effects are within an hour and may last for up to 6 hours.

Side effects may include heart arrhythmias, decreased breathing, and seizures. It has a high risk of misuse and historically was a common cause of death from drug misuse. Some effects may be reversed with naloxone. Use during pregnancy may harm the baby.

Dextropropoxyphene came into medical use in the United States in 1957. It has subsequently been removed from the market in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and India. While still available in Australia, there are restrictions as of 2014. In the United Kingdom it is not available to new patients. It was generally sold as a combination medication with either paracetamol or aspirin.