ORPHENADRINE - ORAL
Common Brand Name(s): Norflex
Phonetic Pronunciation: (or-FEN-uh-dreen)
Information last revised June 2010
What does ORPHENADRINE-ORAL look like?
orphenadrine citrate SR 100 mg Tab
orphenadrine citrate SR 100 mg Tab
orphenadrine citrate SR 100 mg Tab
orphenadrine citrate SR 100 mg Tab
Uses:
This medication is used to treat pain and discomfort from muscle injuries such as strains, sprains, and spasms. It provides temporary relief and is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication). 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.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or take it for longer than prescribed. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: 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 drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. If you are taking 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 should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusual excitement, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures.
Precautions
Before taking 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, 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/cardio-spasm), 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 heartbeat, 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 minimize 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
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, blurred vision, widened pupils, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dry mouth 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: 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, seek immediate medical attention 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.