Orphenadrine (By mouth)
or-FEN-a-dreen
Used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relieve muscle discomfort caused by certain health problems or by injuries (such as sprains or strains).
Drug classes
Skeletal Muscle Relaxant, Centrally Acting (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Orphenadrine is used to help relax certain muscles in your body and relieve the stiffness, pain, and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, or other injury to your muscles. One form of orphenadrine is also used to relieve trembling caused by Parkinson‘s disease. However, this medicine does not take the place of rest, exercise or physical therapy, or other treatment that your doctor may recommend for your medical problem.
Orphenadrine acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce its muscle relaxant effects. Orphenadrine also has other actions (anticholinergic) that produce its helpful effects in Parkinson’s disease. Orphenadrine’s CNS and anticholinergic actions may also be responsible for some of its side effects.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using propoxyphene (Darvon® or Darvocet®).
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to orphenadrine. You should not use this medicine if you have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, an enlarged prostate, or urinary tract blockage. Ask your doctor before using this medicine if you have digestive tract problems such as a stomach ulcer, intestinal blockage, or megaesophagus (enlarged or dilated esophagus).
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have heart problems.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Confusion, anxiety, unusual thoughts, or hallucinations (seeing things that are not there).
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Blurred vision.
Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
Trouble urinating, or a decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
Weakness, tremors, or shaking.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Norflex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
