Definition

A type of pain-relieving medication that is chemically related to methadone and is used to treat mild to moderate pain.

Example

The doctor prescribed propoxyphene to help manage her pain after surgery.

Conversation

Have you heard about propoxyphene? I read it can help with pain relief.

Yeah, I think it's used for mild to moderate pain, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how it’s related to other pain medications.

I wonder if it’s still commonly prescribed these days.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Propoxyphene is formed from "pro-" (meaning for or in favor of), "oxy" (from Greek "oxus", meaning sharp or acid), and "phen" (from Greek "phaino", meaning to show or appear). The word refers to a compound that is intended to provide relief, often in a sharp or effective manner, as a pain reliever.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pro-' meaning for or in favor of, and 'oxy' suggesting something sharp or effective, which helps you remember that propoxyphene is a medication designed to provide effective pain relief.

Visually Confused Words