Norflex (Orphenadrine)

What is Norflex?

Norflex is an oral drug belonging to a class known as muscle relaxants.

What is Norflex used for?

Norflex is used to treat pain due to strains, sprains, spasms and other muscle injuries.  Since Norflex only provides temporary relief it is usually used along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy.

How does Norflex work?

Norflex works by relaxing tight muscles and thus relieving muscle cramps and stiffness.

How to use Norflex

Norflex should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking the medicine for longer period or in larger amount than prescribed can be harmful.

The dosage of Norflex depends on your age, kidney and liver function, medical condition and response to treatment.

Norflex is usually taken orally twice a day unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor. The extended-release tablets are meant to be swallowed whole. They should not be crushed or chewed as doing so may increase the risk of side effects. Do not increase the dose or stop taking the medicine unless directed by your doctor.

Norflex warnings and precautions

Norflex is not administered to patients who are allergic to orphenadrine or are having conditions such as: enlarged prostate, glaucoma, blockage in stomach or intestines, swallowing trouble, difficulty in urination, or myasthenia gravis.

Prior to taking the medication inform your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or have any of the following conditions: heart disease including heart rhythm disorder or coronary artery disease.

Effects of orphenadrine on breast milk or a nursing baby are yet to be determined. Norflex is however believed to be harmful to an unborn baby. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women are advised to take this medicine only after taking doctor’s permission. Also inform your doctor if you plan to become pregnant during treatment.

What do I do if I have missed a Norflex dose?

If you have missed a Norflex dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is time for your next dose the missed dose can be skipped.

What do I do if I have taken a Norflex overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Norflex, consult your doctor immediately. An overdose of orphenadrine may prove to be fatal and the symptoms include fast heart rate, blurred vision, confusion, cold or clammy skin, weak or shallow breathing, or convulsions.

Norflex interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Norflex include: atropine, benztropine, dimenhydrinate, methscopolamine, or scopolamine; bronchodilators, glycopyrrolate, mepenzolate; bladder or urinary medications such as darifenacin, flavoxate, oxybutynin, tolterodine, or solifenacin; or irritable bowel medications such as dicyclomine, hyoscyamine, or propantheline.

Other drugs may also interact with Norflex. So, it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before taking Norflex.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Norflex side effects

Side effects from Norflex include allergic reactions such as hives, breathing difficulty, swelling of face, tongue, lips, or throat and  other serious side-effects such as  pounding or uneven heartbeats; anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, tremors, seizure (convulsions), or decreased amount or frequency of urination or urinating not at all. If you witness any of these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Dry mouth, dryness in throat, dilated pupils, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation; or unusual weakness are some less serious side effects of Norflex.