Propoxyphene (PPX) Rapid Tests

Propoxyphene (PPX) is a narcotic analgesic compound bearing structural similarity to methadone. As an analgesic, Propoxyphene can be from 50-75% as potent as oral codeine. Darvocet™, one of the most common brand names for the drug, contains 50-100 mg of Propoxyphene napsylate and 325-650 mg of acetaminophen. Peak plasma concentrations of Propoxyphene are achieved from 1 to 2 hours post dose. In the case of overdose, Propoxyphene blood concentrations can reach significantly higher levels. In humans, Propoxyphene is metabolized by N-demethylation to yield Norpropoxyphene. Norpropoxyphene has a longer half-life (30 to 36 hours) than parent Propoxyphene (6 to 12 hours). The accumulation of Norpropoxyphene seen with repeated doses may be largely responsible for resultant toxicity.