DailyMed Label: Propoxyphene and Acetaminophen

DailyMed Label: Propoxyphene and Acetaminophen

2010

DailyMed Prescription

Propoxyphene and Acetaminophen

propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen

Altura Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

NDC: 63874-201

NDC: 63874-201

Propoxyphene Napsylate, USP is an odorless, white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It is very slightly soluble in water and soluble in methanol, ethanol, chloroform, and acetone. Chemically, it is (α S ,1 R )-α-[2-(Dimethylamino)-1-methylethyl]-α-phenylphenethyl propionate compound with 2-napthalenesulfonic acid (1:1) monohydrate, which can be represented by the accompanying structural formula. Propoxyphene napsylate differs from propoxyphene hydrochloride in that it allows more stable liquid dosage forms and tablet formulations. Because of differences in molecular weight, a dose of 100 mg (176.8 μmol) of propoxyphene napsylate is required to supply an amount of propoxyphene equivalent to that present in 65 mg (172.9 μmol) of propoxyphene hydrochloride. Acetaminophen, 4'-hydroxyacetanilide, is a non-opiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic which occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline powder, possessing a slightly bitter taste. The molecular formula for acetaminophen is C 8 H 9 NO 2 and the molecular weight is 151.16. It may be represented by the following structural formula. Propoxyphene Napsylate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 50 mg/325 mg Each tablet contains:        Propoxyphene Napsylate ............................50 mg (88.4 μmol)        Acetaminophen .........................................325 mg (2150 μmol)  In addition each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: carnauba wax, D&C Yellow #10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide. Propoxyphene Napsylate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 100 mg/650 mg Each tablet contains:        Propoxyphene Napsylate ...........................100 mg (176.8 μmol)        Acetaminophen ..........................................650 mg (4300 μmol) In addition each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: carnauba wax, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide. The orange tablets also contain D&C Yellow #10 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake. The pink tablets also contain FD&C Red #40 Aluminum Lake. This is an image of the structural formula for Propoxyphene Napsylate. This is an image of the structural formula of Acetaminophen.

Propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets, USP are indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain.

Propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets are intended for the management of mild to moderate pain. The dose should be individually adjusted according to severity of pain, patient response and patient size. Propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets 100 mg/650 mg The usual dosage is one tablet every 4 hours orally as needed for pain. The maximum dose of propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets 100 mg/650 mg is 6 tablets per day. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose. Propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets 50 mg/325 mg The usual dosage is two tablets every 4 hours orally as needed for pain. The maximum dose of propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets 50 mg/325 mg is 12 tablets per day. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose. Patients receiving propoxyphene and any CYP3A4 inhibitor should be carefully monitored for an extended period of time and dosage adjustments should be made if warranted. Consideration should be given to a reduced total daily dosage in elderly patients and in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. For patients who used propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen on a regular basis for a period of time, when therapy with propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen is no longer needed for the treatment of their pain, it may be useful to gradually discontinue the propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen over time to prevent the development of an opioid abstinence syndrome (narcotic withdrawal). In general, therapy can be decreased by 25% to 50% per day with careful monitoring for signs and symptoms of withdrawal (see  DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE   for description of the signs and symptoms of withdrawal). If the patient develops these signs or symptoms, the dose should be raised to the previous level and titrated down more slowly, either by increasing the interval between decreases, decreasing the amount of change in dose, or both.

Propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to propoxyphene or acetaminophen. Propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets are contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression (in unmonitored settings or the absence of resuscitative equipment) and patients with acute or severe asthma or hypercarbia. Propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets are contraindicated in any patient who has or is suspected of having paralytic ileus.

Tolerance is the need for increasing doses of opioids to maintain a defined effect such as analgesia (in the absence of disease progression or other external factors). Physical dependence is manifested by withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation of a drug or upon administration of an antagonist. Physical dependence and tolerance are not unusual during chronic opioid therapy. The opioid abstinence or withdrawal syndrome is characterized by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, and mydriasis. Other symptoms also may develop, including: irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate. In general, opioids should not be abruptly discontinued (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Cessation of Therapy ). If propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen is abruptly discontinued in a physically dependent patient, an abstinence syndrome may occur (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE ). If signs and symptoms of withdrawal occur, patients should be treated by reinstitution of opioid therapy followed by gradual tapered dose reduction of propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen combined with symptomatic support (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Cessation of Therapy ). Propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi and should be used with caution in patients with biliary tract disease, including acute pancreatitis. Opioids like propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen may cause increases in the serum amylase level. Insufficient information exists to make appropriate dosing recommendations regarding the use of either propoxyphene alone or in combination with acetaminophen in patients with hepatic or renal impairment as a function of degree of impairment. Higher plasma concentrations and/or delayed elimination may occur in case of impaired hepatic function and/or impaired renal function (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). If the drug is used in these patients, it should be used with caution because of the hepatic metabolism of propoxyphene and acetaminophen and renal excretion of their metabolites. Patients should be advised to report pain and adverse experiences occurring during therapy. Individualization of dosage is essential to make optimal use of this medication. Patients should be advised not to adjust the dose of propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets without consulting the prescribing professional. Patients should be advised that propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen may impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks (e.g., driving, operating heavy machinery). Patients should not combine propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen with central nervous system depressants (e.g., sleep aids, tranquilizers) except by the orders of the prescribing physician, because additive effects may occur. Patients should be instructed not to consume alcoholic beverages, including prescription and over-the-counter medications that contain alcohol, while using propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets because of risk of serious adverse events including death. Women of childbearing potential who become, or are planning to become, pregnant should be advised to consult their physician regarding the effects of analgesics and other drug use during pregnancy on themselves and their unborn child. Patients should be advised that propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen is a potential drug of abuse. They should protect it from theft, and it should never be given to anyone other than the individual for whom it was prescribed. Patients should be advised that if they have been receiving treatment with propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen for more than a few weeks and cessation of therapy is indicated, it may be appropriate to taper the propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen dose, rather than abruptly discontinue it, due to the risk of precipitating withdrawal symptoms. Their physician can provide a dose schedule to accomplish a gradual discontinuation of the medication. Instruct patients not to consume any other medication that contain acetaminophen, including acetaminophen-based over-the-counter medications, while taking propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen tablets. Propoxyphene is metabolized mainly via the human cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system (CYP3A4), therefore potential interactions may occur when propoxyphene is administered concurrently with agents that affect CYP3A4 activity. The metabolism of propoxyphene may be altered by strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, nelfinavir, nefazadone, amiodarone, amprenavir, aprepitant, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, fosamprenavir, grapefruit juice, and verapamil) leading to enhanced propoxyphene plasma levels. Coadministration with agents that induce CYP3A4 activity may reduce the efficacy of propoxyphene. Strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin may lead to enhanced metabolite (norpropoxyphene) levels. Propoxyphene is also thought to possess CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzyme inhibiting properties and coadministration with drugs that rely on either of these enzymes for metabolism may result in increased pharmacologic or adverse effects of that drug. Severe neurologic signs, including coma, have occurred with concurrent use of carbamazepine (metabolized by CYP3A4). Increased risk of bleeding has been observed with warfarin-like agents when given along with propoxyphene; however, the mechanistic basis of this interaction is unknown. CNS Depressants Patients receiving narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, other tranquilizers, sedative-hypnotics or other CNS depressants (including alcohol) concomitantly with propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen may exhibit an additive CNS depression. Interactive effects resulting in respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, or coma may result if these drugs are taken in combination with the usual dosage of propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen. When such combined therapy is contemplated, the dose of one or both agents should be reduced. Mixed Agonist/Antagonist Opioid Analgesics Agonist/antagonist analgesics (i.e., pentazocine, nalbuphine, butorphanol and buprenorphine) should be administered with caution to patients who have received or are receiving a course of therapy with a pure opioid agonist analgesic such as propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen. In this situation, mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics may reduce the analgesic effect of propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen and/or may precipitate withdrawal symptoms in these patients. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) MAOIs have been reported to intensify the effects of at least one opioid drug causing anxiety, confusion and significant depression of respiration or coma. The use of propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. Alcohol : Hepatotoxicity has occurred in chronic alcoholics following various dose levels (moderate to excessive) of acetaminophen. Anticholinergics : The onset of acetaminophen effect may be delayed or decreased slightly, but the ultimate pharmacological effect is not significantly affected by anticholinergics. Oral Contraceptives : Increase in glucuronidation resulting in increased plasma clearance and a decreased half-life of acetaminophen. Beta Blockers (Propranolol) : Propranolol appears to inhibit the enzyme systems responsible for the glucuronidation and oxidation of acetaminophen. Therefore, the pharmacologic effects of acetaminophen may be increased. Loop Diuretics : The effects of the loop diuretic may be decreased because acetaminophen may decrease renal prostaglandin excretion and decrease plasma renin activity. Lamotrigine : Serum lamotrigine concentrations may be reduced, producing a decrease in therapeutic effects. Probenecid : Probenecid may increase the therapeutic effectiveness of acetaminophen slightly. Zidovudine : The pharmacologic effects of zidovudine may be decreased because of enhanced nonhepatic or renal clearance of zidovudine. The mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of propoxyphene and acetaminophen alone and in combination have not been evaluated. In animal studies there was no effect of propoxyphene on mating behavior, fertility, duration of gestation, or parturition when rats were fed propoxyphene as a component of their daily diet at estimated daily propoxyphene intake up to 8-fold greater than the maximum human equivalent dose (HED) based on body surface area comparison. At this highest dose, fetal weight and survival on postnatal day 4 was reduced. Acetaminophen has not been studied in animals for effects on fertility and the effects on human fertility are unknown. Risk summary Pregnancy category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of propoxyphene with acetaminophen in pregnant women. While there are limited data in the published literature, adequate animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with propoxyphene or acetaminophen. Therefore, it is not known whether propoxyphene or acetaminophen can affect reproduction or cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Propoxyphene with acetaminophen should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Clinical considerations Acetaminophen, propoxyphene and its major metabolite, norpropoxyphene, cross the human placenta. Neonates whose mothers have taken opiates chronically may exhibit respiratory depression or withdrawal symptoms. Data In published animal reproduction studies, no teratogenic effects occurred in offspring born to pregnant rats or rabbits that received propoxyphene during organogenesis. Pregnant animals received propoxyphene doses approximately 10-fold (rats) and 4-fold (rabbits) the maximum recommended human dose (based on mg/m 2 body surface area comparison). Propoxyphene, norpropoxyphene (major metabolite), and acetaminophen are excreted in human milk. Published studies of nursing mothers using propoxyphene detected no adverse effects in nursing infants. Based on a study of six mother-infant pairs, an exclusively breastfed infant receives approximately 2% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose. Norpropoxyphene is renally excreted and renal clearance is lower in neonates than in adults. Therefore, it is possible that prolonged maternal propoxyphene use could result in norpropoxyphene accumulation in a breastfed infant. Watch breastfeeding infants for signs of sedation including poor feeding, somnolence, or respiratory depression. Caution should be exercised when propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen is administered to a nursing woman. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Clinical studies of propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. However, postmarketing reports suggest that patients over the age of 65 may be more susceptible to CNS-related side effects. Therefore, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Decreased total daily dosage should be considered (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

During clinical trials, the most frequently reported adverse reactions were dizziness, sedation, nausea, and vomiting. Other adverse reactions include constipation, abdominal pain, skin rashes, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, euphoria, dysphoria, hallucinations, and minor visual disturbances.

The metabolism of propoxyphene may be altered by strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, nelfinavir, nefazadone, amiodarone, amprenavir, aprepitant, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, fosamprenavir, grapefruit juice, and verapamil) leading to enhanced propoxyphene plasma levels. On the other hand, strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin may lead to enhanced metabolite (norpropoxyphene) levels. Propoxyphene is also thought to possess CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzyme inhibiting properties. Coadministration with a drug that is a substrate of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6, may result in higher plasma concentrations and increased pharmacologic or adverse effects of that drug.

After oral administration of propoxyphene in elderly patients (70-78 years), much longer half-lives of propoxyphene and norpropoxyphene have been reported (propropoxyphene 13 to 35 h, norpropoxyphene 22 to 41 h). In addition, the AUC was an average of 3-fold higher and the C max was an average of 2.5-fold higher in the elderly when compared to a younger (20-28 years) population. Longer dosage intervals may be considered in the elderly because the metabolism of propoxyphene may be reduced in this patient population. After multiple oral doses of propoxyphene in elderly patients (70-78 years), the C max of the metabolite (norpropoxyphene) was increased 5-fold. Neither propoxyphene alone nor in combination with acetaminophen has been studied in pediatric patients. No formal pharmacokinetic study of either propoxyphene alone or in combination with acetaminophen has been conducted in patients with mild, moderate or severe hepatic impairment. After oral administration of propoxyphene in patients with cirrhosis, plasma concentrations of propoxyphene were considerably higher and norpropoxyphene concentrations were much lower than in control patients. This is presumably because of a decreased first-pass metabolism of orally administered propoxyphene in these patients. The AUC ratio of norpropoxyphene: propoxyphene was significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis (0.5 to 0.9) than in controls (2.5 to 4). Compared to healthy subjects, acetaminophen had a lower total clearance and longer half-life in patients with liver disease. Decreased metabolite formation clearance (8-42%) was observed in subjects with liver disease compared to healthy subjects after both single and multiple-doses (at steady state). In addition, there is an increase in the amount of acetaminophen excreted unchanged in the urine (4.7% vs. 2.5%) in patients with liver disease compared to healthy subjects after repeat doses, suggesting that more acetaminophen was excreted by renal elimination in the liver disease state. No formal pharmacokinetic study of either propoxyphene alone or in combination with acetaminophen has been conducted in patients with mild, moderate or severe renal impairment. After oral administration of propoxyphene in anephric patients, the AUC and C max values were an average of 76% and 88% greater, respectively. Dialysis removes only insignificant amounts (8%) of administered dose of propoxyphene. The metabolism of propoxyphene may be altered by strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, nelfinavir, nefazadone, amiodarone, amprenavir, aprepitant, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, fosamprenavir, grapefruit juice, and verapamil) leading to enhanced propoxyphene plasma levels. On the other hand, strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin may lead to enhanced metabolite (norpropoxyphene) levels. Propoxyphene is also thought to possess CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzyme inhibiting properties. Coadministration with a drug that is a substrate of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6, may result in higher plasma concentrations and increased pharmacologic or adverse effects of that drug.

Propoxyphene Napsylate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 50 mg/325 mg are available as follows: Orange film coated, unscored, capsule shaped tablets, debossed "5111" over "V" on one side and plain on the reverse side. Propoxyphene Napsylate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 100 mg/650 mg are available as follows: Orange film coated, unscored, capsule shaped tablets, debossed "5112" over "V" on one side and plain on the reverse side. White film coated, unscored, capsule shaped tablets, debossed "5113" over "V" on one side and plain on the reverse side Pink film coated, unscored, capsule shaped tablets, debossed "5114" over "V" on one side and plain on the reverse side. They are supplied by Altura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as follows: NDC Strength Quantity/Form Color 63874-201-30 100 mg / 650 mg 30 Tablets in a Plastic Bottle Pink, Orange, or White 63874-201-60 100 mg / 650 mg 60 Tablets in a Plastic Bottle Pink, Orange, or White 63874-201-90 100 mg / 650 mg 90 Tablets in a Plastic Bottle Pink, Orange, or White 63874-201-01 100 mg / 650 mg 100 Tablets in a Plastic Bottle Pink, Orange, or White 63874-201-04 100 mg / 650 mg 120 Tablets in a Plastic Bottle Pink, Orange, or White Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Pharmacology Propoxyphene is a centrally acting opiate analgesic. In vitro studies demonstrated propoxyphene and the metabolite norpropoxyphene inhibit sodium channels (local anesthetic effect) with norpropoxyphene being approximately 2-fold more potent than propoxyphene and propoxyphene approximately 10-fold more potent than lidocaine. Propoxyphene and norpropoxyphene inhibit the voltage-gated potassium current carried by cardiac rapidly activating delayed rectifier (hERG) channels with approximately equal potency. It is unclear if the effects on ion channels occur within therapeutic dose range. Acetaminophen is a non-opiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic. The site and mechanism for the analgesic effect of acetaminophen has not been determined. The antipyretic effect of acetaminophen is mediated through activity in the hypothalamic heat-regulating centers. Acetaminophen inhibits prostaglandin synthetase. Therapeutic doses of acetaminophen have negligible effects on the cardiovascular or respiratory systems; however, toxic doses may cause circulatory failure and rapid, shallow breathing. Peak plasma concentrations of propoxyphene are reached in 2 to 2.5 h. After a 65-mg oral dose of propoxyphene hydrochloride, peak plasma levels of 0.05 to 0.1 μg/mL for propoxyphene and 0.1 to 0.2 μg/mL for norpropoxyphene (major metabolite) are achieved. Repeated doses of propoxyphene at 6 h intervals lead to increasing plasma concentrations, with a plateau after the ninth dose at 48 h. Propoxyphene has a half-life of 6 to 12 h, whereas that of norpropoxyphene is 30 to 36 h. Acetaminophen is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and has a plasma half-life of 1.25 to 3 h, which may be increased by liver damage and following overdosage. Propoxyphene is about 80% bound to proteins and has a large volume of distribution, 16 L/kg. Acetaminophen is relatively uniformly distributed throughout most body fluids. Binding of the drug to plasma proteins is variable; only 20% to 50% may be bound at the concentrations encountered during acute intoxication. Propoxyphene undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism by intestinal and hepatic enzymes. The major route of metabolism is cytochrome CYP3A4 mediated N-demethylation to norpropoxyphene, which is excreted by the kidneys. Ring hydroxylation and glucuronide formation are minor metabolic pathways. Acetaminophen is extensively metabolized in the liver. Less than 5% of acetaminophen dose is excreted unchanged in the kidney. About 85% of an acetaminophen dose is metabolized by conjugation, mainly glucuronidation via UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (mainly UGT1A6) and to a lesser extent sulfation via sulfotransferase (mainly SLT1A1 and SLT1A3). The glucuronide and sulfate conjugates are nontoxic and are largely excreted in the urine and bile. About 8-10% of an acetaminophen dose is oxidized by cytochrome CYP2E1 to form the toxic reactive intermediate, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). NAPQI is further metabolized via glutathione (GSH) conjugation, yielding non-toxic thiol metabolites including cysteine, mercapturate, methylthioacetaminophen, and methanesulfinylacetaminophen that are excreted in the urine. Acetaminophen is also oxidized at a low percentage by cytochrome CYP2A6 to form inert catechols (e.g., methoxyacetaminophen). In 48 h, approximately 20 to 25% of the administered dose of propoxyphene is excreted via the urine, most of which is free or conjugated norpropoxyphene. The renal clearance rate of propoxyphene is 2.6 L/min. Elimination of acetaminophen is principally by liver metabolism (conjugation) and subsequent renal excretion of metabolites. Approximately 85% of an oral dose appears in the urine within 24 hours of administration, most as the glucuronide conjugate, with small amounts of other conjugates and unchanged drug.

The efficacy of propoxyphene in combination with acetaminophen was studied in seven single-dose, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients with mild to severe postpartum pain. One of the studies demonstrated that both propoxyphene and acetaminophen in the combination contributed to a greater reduction in pain than acetaminophen and propoxyphene alone and that propoxyphene was superior to placebo. There is insufficient information available to assess efficacy of propoxyphene in combination with acetaminophen in patients with chronic pain.

Manufactured for: QUALITEST PHARMACEUTICALS Huntsville, AL 35811 This Product was Repackaged By: Altura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 12540 McCann Drive Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 United States

This is an image of the label for Propoxyphene Napsylate and Acetaminophen Tablets 100 mg/650 mg.