Enhancement of propoxyphene bioavailability by ethanol

Abstract

The interaction between a single oral dose of 130 mg propoxyphene and 0.5 g/kg body weight ethanol was investigated in 12 healthy male volunteers by 9 objective performance tests, 8 visual analogue self-rating scales and the measurement of plasma propoxyphene, norpropoxyphene and ethanol concentrations, using a double-blind threeway crossover design. Volunteers were each given one of three treatments, propoxyphene + ethanol, placebo + ethanol and propoxyphene alone, separated by a two week interval. The performance tests were completed before and 1.25 and 4 h after drug intake, and the self-rating scales before and 1.25, 4 and 10 h after it.