Orphenadrine (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed

Orphenadrine is used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used

Orphenadrine comes as a tablet and an extended-release tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day. Do not cut, crush, or chew the extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take orphenadrine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

Orphenadrine is also used occasionally to treat nighttime leg cramps. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking orphenadrine

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to orphenadrine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), medications for colds or allergies, medications for depression, perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promethazine (Phenergan), sedatives, sleeping pills, trifluoperazine (Stelazine), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; myasthenia gravis; ulcers; a urinary tract or intestinal blockage; an enlarged prostate; an irregular heartbeat; or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking orphenadrine, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking orphenadrine.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how orphenadine will affect you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Mild side effects

Orphenadrine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• blurred vision
• headache

Severe side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fainting
• confusion
• hallucinations
• skin rash

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Antiflex®
• Norflex®
• Orphenate®

Brand names of combination products

• Norgesic® containing Orphenadrine Citrate, Aspirin, and Caffeine
• Norgesic® Forte containing Orphenadrine Citrate, Aspirin, and Caffeine