Orphenadrine - oral

Orphenadrine is used to help relax muscles and relieve muscle and joint pain caused by sports injuries, sprains, or strains.

This medicine is also used to treat symptoms of parkinsonism (a combination of movement abnormalities usually seen in Parkinson's disease such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking).

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Orphenadrine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Your doctor will also discuss the use of this medicine as different brands and preparations of Orphenadrine may only be used for a specific condition.

You may take Orphenadrine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

This medicine is available as a tablet, extended-release tablet, or oral solution.

If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet (usually labelled as "XL", "ER"), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.

If you are taking an oral solution, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.

Orphenadrine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Do not take this medicine for any conditions other than what is prescribed by your doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• blocked bowel
• stomach ulcers
• enlarged prostate gland or bladder obstruction
• megaoesophagus (a rare disorder that causes difficulty for food and liquid to pass the food pipe)
• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• tardive dyskinesia (a condition that causes uncontrollable twitching movements of the mouth, tongue and limbs)

as Orphenadrine may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart problems e.g. irregular or abnormal heartbeat
• overactive thyroid
• high blood pressure
• history of drug abuse or alcoholism
• porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems)
• difficulty in passing urine
• kidney disease
• liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Orphenadrine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

Orphenadrine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or an unusual feeling of excitement (elation). If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, constipation, stomach upset, dry mouth, feeling restless, and difficulty sleeping.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines used for depression
• medicines for cold or allergy
• medicines for stomach cramps
• medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine, thioridazine
• medicines for Parkinson's disease e.g. amantadine
• medicines for irregular heartbeats e.g. disopyramide
• dextropropoxyphene (strong painkiller)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Orphenadrine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Orphenadrine.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light, moisture, and heat.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.