Generic name: Levorphanol (oral)
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Levo-Dromoran?
Levorphanol is an opioid medicine that is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Levorphanol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use levorphanol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- severe asthma or breathing problems; or
- a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
- a head injury, or seizures;
- drug or alcohol addiction;
- liver or kidney disease;
- urination problems; or
- problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid.
If you use opioid medicine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on opioids may need medical treatment for several weeks.
Ask a doctor before using opioid medicine if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby.
Levorphanol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Levo-Dromoran
Use Levo-Dromoran (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use levorphanol in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of this medicine.
Your dose needs may be different if you recently used opioid medicine and your body is tolerant to it (ask your doctor if you're not sure).
Never share opioid medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away opioid medicine is against the law.
Do not stop using levorphanol suddenly after long-term use, or you could have serious withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Never crush or break a levorphanol pill to inhale the powder or mix it into a liquid to inject the drug into your vein. Doing so could result in death.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.
Do not keep leftover opioid medication. Just one dose can cause death in someone using this medicine accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a drug take-back disposal program. If there is no take-back program, flush the unused medicine down the toilet.
Since levorphanol is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
Levo-Dromoran side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Opioid medicine can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing, breathing that stops;
- a slow heart rate or weak pulse;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- mood changes, unusual thoughts or behavior;
- severe stomach pain, severe constipation;
- high levels of serotonin in the body--agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
- low cortisol levels-- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness.
Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and those who are debilitated or have wasting syndrome or chronic breathing disorders.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
- constipation;
- dizziness, drowsiness;
- tiredness; or
- headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Levo-Dromoran?
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.