ORPHENADRINE - INJECTION
Common Brand Name(s): Norflex
Phonetic Pronunciation: (or-FEN-uh-dreen)
Information last revised September 2010
What does ORPHENADRINE-INJECTION look like?
orphenadrine citrate 30 mg/mL Injection
orphenadrine citrate 30 mg/mL Injection
orphenadrine citrate 30 mg/mL Injection
Norflex 30 mg/mL Injection
Uses:
This medication is used to provide temporary relief of pain and discomfort from muscle injuries such as strains, sprains, and spasms. It is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This medication relaxes tight muscles and relieves pain, cramping, and stiffness so you can move around more and get back to doing your daily activities. Orphenadrine belongs to a class of drugs called muscle relaxants.
How To Use
This medication is given by injection into a vein or muscle by a health care professional. It is usually given twice a day or as directed by your doctor. Continue to lie down for 5 to 10 minutes after the injection to reduce dizziness and lightheadedness. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: propoxyphene. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Notes
If you are using this medication for a long time, laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed periodically to check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, loss of consciousness, seizures.
Precautions
Before using orphenadrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), stomach/intestinal ulcers or blockage, enlarged prostate, bladder problems, a certain esophagus problem (megaesophagus/cardiospasm), a certain type of muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., fast/irregular heartbeat, heart failure). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.
Side Effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, vision changes, headache, stomach upset, dry mouth, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, anxiety, hallucinations), shaking, fast/pounding heartbeat, fainting, difficulty urinating, eye pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.