Dextropropoxyphene-related deaths--a problem that persists?

A total of 48 cases of dextropropoxyphene-related deaths that occurred over a 6-year period (1987-1992) in the Lothian and Borders region of Scotland were reviewed. No significant gender difference was found but a significantly greater proportion of the deaths occurred in the urban areas (P < 0.05). Suicide accounted for 81.3% of cases while the other deaths were caused accidentally and involved drug addicts, alcoholics and those who had taken their dextropropoxyphene-containing prescriptions following consumption of alcohol. Overall concomitant alcohol abuse was identified in 41.7% of all the victims. Compound analgesic preparations containing dextropropoxyphene are still widely prescribed and the persistence of deaths from its overdose may suggest the need for stricter prescription control and for educational programmes for users.