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Glite Dictionary
propoxyphene

propoxyphene

9.9
A man-made pain medicine that relieves strong pain, once sold as Darvon
  • noun
  • /prəˈpɒksɪfiːn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : propoxifeno
  • Many patients found relief from their chronic pain with propoxyphene, a synthetic opioid.

Examples

  • Pain reliever propoxyphene, which was withdrawn from the market in Canada in 2010.

    Blog text (20)

  • The two most common pain medications received at both sites were acetaminophen with codeine and propoxyphene napsylate.

    Academic text (2002)

  • Although the type of medication was not a focus of the study, it is alarming that 64% of these elders were receiving propoxyphene napsylate.

    Academic text (2002)

  • Chambers' subsequent work focused on the abuse and diversion of prescription drugs: pentazocine (Talwin), propoxyphene (Darvon), amphetamines, barbiturate-sedatives, and methadone.

    Academic text (2009)

  • The doctor prescribed propoxyphene as a pain management option for her postoperative recovery.

  • In the past, propoxyphene was commonly recommended for mild to moderate pain relief.

Synonyms

Darvon
vspropoxyphene
  • Archaic
1 8.9

A weak painkiller that treats mild to moderate pain

is the generic drug name rather than the commercial product label
propoxyphene hydrochloride
vspropoxyphene
  • Specialized
8.6

A medicine that reduces mild to moderate pain and can be addictive

is the general drug name often used instead of the chemical term

Compounds

propoxyphene hydrochloride
  • Specialized
8.6

A medicine that reduces mild to moderate pain and can be addictive

Surface Forms

propoxyphene singular
propoxyphenes plural

Etymology

Propoxyphene is a chemical-style name made of small parts you see in many drug names: prop- (a short form of 'propyl'), oxy- (like 'oxygen'), and -phene (a common ending in chemistry), so the name describes pieces of its molecule and sounds like a medicine. It was sold as Darvon and used as a painkiller, so remembering the chemical-looking name helps you link it to that drug which was later withdrawn for safety.