Uses
Orphenadrine is used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries. Orphenadrine is in a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants. It works by changing the way the body senses muscle pain.
Side Effects Of Orphenadrine
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
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- fainting
- confusion
- hallucinations
- skin rash
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking orphenadrine:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to orphenadrine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in orphenadrine tablets or extended-release tablets.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), medications for colds or allergies, medications for depression, perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promethazine (Phenergan), sedatives, sleeping pills, and trifluoperazine (Stelazine). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- 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.
- talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking orphendrine if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take orphenadrine because it is not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking orphenadrine.
- you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how orphenadine will affect you.
- ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking this medication. Alcohol can make the side effects of orphenadrine worse.
Orphenadrine Dosage
Orphenadrine comes as a tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day. Try to take orphenadrine at around the same times every day. 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.
Swallow the extended-release tablets whole. do not split, chew, or crush them.
Other
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.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
