Norflex (Orphenadrine Citrate)

Orphenadrine



(or fen' a dreen)

Disipal®¶
Norflex®¶
Invagesic® (as a combination product containing Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine)
Norgesic® (as a combination product containing Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine)
Orphengesic® (as a combination product containing Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine)¶

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.

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.

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.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

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.

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
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 (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Orphenadrine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual problems during your treatment with orphenadrine.

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).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.  However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.  See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

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.
¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.