Home Drug Guide Levopropoxyphene Napsylate Anhydrous

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Levopropoxyphene Napsylate Anhydrous

Brand Names Novrad

Classification

Therapeutic: Analgesic, Centrally Acting

Pharmacological: Opioid Analgesic (Weak)}

FDA Approved Indications

  • Management of mild to moderate pain

Mechanism of Action

Levopropoxyphene acts on the central nervous system by inhibiting pain impulses; it is a weak opioid receptor agonist, providing analgesic effects.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically, 65-130 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 600 mg per day.

Pediatric: Use is not recommended due to safety concerns.

Geriatric: Dose adjustments may be necessary due to increased sensitivity; start with lower doses.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustment may be required.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor for accumulation.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: Widely distributed throughout body tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized hepatically via conjugation and reduction.

Excretion: Excreted primarily in the urine.

Half Life: Approximately 4-6 hours.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to narcotics or opioids.
  • Respiratory depression.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with respiratory insufficiency, head injury, or impaired renal or hepatic function. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Dizziness (Common)
  • Drowsiness (Common)
  • Nausea (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Respiratory depression (Serious)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions (Serious)
  • Dependence and addiction (Serious)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • CNS depressants, including alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives, which may enhance respiratory depression.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for effectiveness of pain relief, sedation level, and signs of respiratory depression.

Diagnoses:

  • Pain, Acute
  • Risk for Respiratory Depression

Implementation: Administer orally with food or milk to minimize gastric irritation. Monitor vital signs regularly.

Evaluation: Assess pain relief and monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Do not operate heavy machinery or drive until sedation level is known.
  • Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
  • Report any signs of respiratory difficulty, excessive sedation, or allergic reactions.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for addiction, abuse, and misuse; risk of respiratory depression.

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: N/A

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness.

Treatment: Administer opioid antagonist (naloxone), provide respiratory support, and monitor vital signs.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.