Darvon and Ergotamine Tartrate

• Generic Name: propoxyphene
• Dosage Forms: capsule
• Other Brand Names: Darvon, Darvon-N, PP-Cap

Darvocet (acetaminophen and propoxyphene) was withdrawn from the U.S. market in November 2010.

Darvocet contains a combination of propoxyphene and acetaminophen. Propoxyphene is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever and a fever reducer that increases the effects of propoxyphene.

Darvocet is used to relieve mild to moderate pain with or without fever.

Darvocet may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: ergotamine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Ergomar

Prevention or abortion of vascular headaches (e.g., migraine, cluster headaches), when used alone or in fixed combination with caffeine. Should not be used for chronic daily management of vascular headaches.

Generally not preferred for terminating acute cluster headaches; onset of action is slower than that of other therapies (e.g., sumatriptan, oxygen).

Has been used for short-term (e.g., up to 3 weeks) prophylaxis of episodic cluster headaches to suppress a series of attacks and reduce duration of cluster period. Prophylactic administration at bedtime may be particularly useful in selected patients with nocturnal cluster attacks.

Ineffective in the treatment of muscle contraction headaches.