Norflex

1 What is Norflex?

Brand: Norflex

Generic: Orphenadrine

Norflex is an anticholinergic drug used for relaxation of certain muscles in your body and relief of the stiffness, pain, and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, or another injury to your muscles. Another form of this drug can be used for relief in trembling caused by Parkinson's disease.

This drug does not take the place of rest, exercise or physical therapy, or other treatment that your doctor may recommend for your medical problem. This drug acts in the central nervous system to produce its muscle relaxant effects by inhibiting both histamine and pain receptors. This drug requires a prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Norflex, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of orphenadrine have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established. Data on the correlation of age to the effects of orphenadrine in geriatric patients are still unavailable.

Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related heart, liver, or kidney problems. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding.

Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

  • Alfentanil
  • Anileridine
  • Bromazepam
  • Buprenorphine
  • Codeine
  • Donepezil
  • Fentanyl
  • Flibanserin
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Levorphanol
  • Meperidine
  • Methadone
  • Morphine
  • Morphine Sulfate Liposome
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxymorphone
  • Propoxyphene
  • Remifentanil
  • Sodium Oxybate
  • Sufentanil
  • Suvorexant Tapentadol
  • Perphenazine

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare professional if you have any other medical problems such as:

3 Proper Usage

To use Norflex properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. The extended-release tablet must be swallowed whole. Crushing, breaking, or chewing the drug is not recommended. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.

The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

For relaxing stiff, sore muscles adults and teenager, it is advised to take 100 milligrams two times a day, one tablet each in the morning and evening. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

Adults with stiff, sore muscles and Parkinson's disease are given 50 milligrams three times a day. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Norflex, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened using blood tests.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, trouble with breathing, or chest pain after using this drug.

This drug may cause muscle weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or reduced alertness. Be careful in taking this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous.

This drug may potentiate the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants such as:

  • Antihistamines or Drug for hay fever
  • Other allergies, or Colds
  • Sedatives, Tranquilizers, or Sleeping drug
  • Prescription pain drug or narcotics
  • Barbiturates
  • Drug for seizures
  • Other muscle relaxants
  • Anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics

You will be advised to avoid any alcohol intake, and check with your healthcare professional before taking any of the drugs listed above, while you are using this drug. It is recommended to use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute for relief since this drug may cause dryness of the mouth.

Check with your dentist if dryness persists for more than 2 weeks as this may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Norflex. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

or symptoms of overdose such as:

  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Delirium, or Hallucinations
  • Constipation
  • Difficult urination
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry eyes, mouth, nose, or throat
  • Eye pain
  • Flushing or redness of face
  • Troubled breathing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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