Orphenadrine

pronounced as(or fen' a dreen)

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. Orphenadrine is in a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants. It works by changing the way the body senses muscle pain.

How should this medicine be used?

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 uses for this medicine

Return to top

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Return to top

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.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Return to top

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

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Return to top

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.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Return to top

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 [at 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.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Return to top

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

Return to top

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?

Return to top

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.

Brand names

Return to top
  • Invagesic®
  • Norflex®

Brand names of combination products

Return to top
  • Norgesic® (containing Orphenadrine Citrate, Aspirin, and Caffeine)
  • Norgesic® Forte (containing Orphenadrine Citrate, Aspirin, and Caffeine)

Last Revised - 04/01/2012

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.