Distalgesic discontinued in the UK

Distalgesic discontinued in the UK What is it used for?Mild to moderate pain when other painkillers have proved ineffective or are inappropriate. How does it work?Distalgesic tablets contain co proxamol, which is a combination of two active ingredients, paracetamol and dextropropoxyphene. Despite its widespread use for over 100 years, we still don't fully understand how paracetamol works to relieve pain. However, it is now thought that it works by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord. ADVERTISEMENT CONTINUE READING BELOW Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases. One of their actions is to sensitise nerve endings, so that when the injury is stimulated it causes pain (presumably to prevent us from causing further harm to the area). As paracetamol reduces the production of these http://www.livingtorrents.org nerve sensitising prostaglandins it is thought it may increase our pain threshold, so that although the injury remains, we can feel it less. Dextropropoxyphene belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors. Dextropropoxyphene mimicks the action of natural endorphins by combining with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt. The combination of paracetamol and dextropropoxyphene can provide relief from mild to moderate pain. The CSM found that there is little evidence to show that co proxamol is more effective at relieving pain than paracetamol alone. In addition, around 300 400 self poisoning deaths each year, of which around a fifth are accidental, involve co proxamol. Equally effective and less risky painkillers are available. As a result, co proxamol containing products will no longer be sold or supplied once existing stocks have run out. However, it is recognised that there is a small group of patients who are likely to find it very difficult to change from co proxamol, or where alternatives appear not to be effective or suitable. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Pregnancy and breastfeedingCertain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine. This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby and is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Discuss with your doctor. Label warningsDo not take more than 2 at any one time. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink. Side effectsMedicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. How can this medicine affect other medicines?It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe. Examples include those listed above, as well as medicines such as the following:Dextropropoxyphene may increase the blood levels of tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and anticonvulsants such as phenytoin and carbamazepine. Other medicines containing the same active ingredientsCo proxamol is available without a brand name, ie as the generic http://www.bmwdpfdelete.co.uk medicine. Last updated 08.01.2008 The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor for further information see our Terms and conditions. NetDoctor is a publication of Hearst Magazines UK which is the trading name of The National Magazine Company Ltd, 72 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 9EP. Registered in England 112955. NetDoctor, part of the Hearst UK wellbeing network.