Propoxyphene Hydrochloride Poisoning

PROPOXYPHENE HYDROCHLORIDE (Darvon) was synthesized by Pohland and Sullivan in 1953.¹Related pharmacologically to codeine and widely used as an analgesic, the drug is available in 32- or 65-mg capsules, which is the recommended single adult dose. It is also marketed with acetophenetidin, acetylsalicylic acid, and caffeine as a compound. A case of severe intoxication due to propoxyphene hydrochloride associated with convulsions, coma, abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), and respiratory arrest is reported. Report of a Case An 18-year-old married white female was brought to the hospital emergency room at 10:00 AM on April 6, 1963, in coma. She had ingested twenty-six 32-mg capsules of propoxyphene hydrochloride (832 mg) at about 8:00 AM. Approximately one-half hour later she became drowsy and acted as if inebriated. At about 9:00 AM the patient suffered four successive generalized convulsions which were followed by cyanosis and coma. History included an episode of possible labyrinthitis in