Propoxyphene Tests

PROPOXYPHENE (PPX)

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). Theaccumulation of norpropoxyphene seen with repeated doses may be largely responsible for resultant toxicity
The Urine Drug Tests yields a positive result when the concentration of Propoxyphene or Norpropoxyphene in urine exceeds 300 ng/mL. At present, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) does not have a recommended screening cut-off for propoxyphene positive specimens.