Orphenadrine is used treat muscle spasms and pain such as back pain and tension headaches. Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects. Orphenadrine is also called Norflex.
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What is orphenadrine?
Orphenadrine is used to treat muscle spasms and pain such as back pain and tension headaches. It may be helpful for short-term relief and is usually used together with other therapies such as physiotherapy and exercise. Orphenadrine acts in your central nervous system to produce its muscle relaxant effects. Read more about back pain, what to do if you have back pain and tension headaches. In New Zealand orphenadrine is available as tablets and is only available on prescription from your doctor.
Dose
- Orphenadrine is available as tablets (100 mg).
- The usual dose of orphenadrine is 1 tablet two times a day.
- It is recommended for short-term use.
- Always take your orphenadrine exactly as your doctor has told you.
- The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.
How to take orphenadrine
- Timing: Take your orphenadrine doses at the same times each day, in the morning and the evening. Swallow your tablets with a glass of water. You can take orphenadrine with or without food.
- Missed dose: If you miss a dose and remember within an hour or so of the missed dose, take it right away. But, if you do not remember until later, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
Precautions before starting orphenadrine
- Do you have glaucoma (raised pressure in your eyes)?
- Do you have stomach problems such as reflux or stomach ulcers?
- Do you have a condition called myasthenia gravis?
- Do you have problems passing urine or an enlarged prostate?
- Do you have problems with your heart?
- Do you have problems with your liver or kidneys?
- Are you pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
- Do you have constipation?
- Are you elderly?
If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking orphenadrine. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions or it can only be used with extra care.
What are the side effects of orphenadrine?
Like all medicines, orphenadrine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product |
Interactions
Orphenadrine interacts with some other medications and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting orphenadrine or before starting any new medicines.
Learn more
The following link has more information on orphenadrine.
Norflex Medsafe Consumer Information Sheets
References
- Orphenadrine citrate New Zealand Formulary
- Low back pain: a pathway to prioritisation National Health Committee, 2015