Sometimes, after an accident, or after doing the wrong exercise, or even just for fun, your muscles get tight and painful, right? In times like these, your doctor may give you a muscle relaxant along with painkillers. Orphenadrine is one such drug, given intravenously. Today, we'll talk about it in detail.
What is this Orphenadrine?
Simply put, Orphenadrine is a medication that helps reduce the stiffness and pain in your muscles. It works as a muscle relaxant . It is usually used to treat severe muscle pain caused by injuries, sprains, etc. It can come under different brand names like Banflex and Norflex. However, it is a medication that should only be used on the recommendation of a doctor.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you the Orphenadrine injection, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or opportunity | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma condition | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Any type of heart disease | Heart rate may be affected. |
| Kidney disease | The drug may be difficult to remove from the body. |
| Myasthenia Gravis | Muscle weakness may increase. |
| Peptic ulcer or other gastrointestinal problems | The digestive system may slow down. |
| Prostate diseases | Difficulty urinating may occur. |
| Allergy to Orphenadrine or other drugs, foods, or dyes | To prevent the occurrence of severe allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | To consider the possible effects on the child. |
How is this vaccine used?
This vaccine is usually given in a hospital or clinic, by a trained medical professional, into a vein.
However, in some cases, if you need to receive this vaccine at home, you will be clearly instructed on how to prepare and inject it correctly. Never take more than the doctor has prescribed or take the medicine earlier than the prescribed time.
Most importantly, never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor how to get one.
Is this suitable for children?
No. This medication is not approved for use in children. Therefore, do not even consider giving this medication to a child.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not delay. Immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly, as an overdose can be dangerous.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Orphenadrine can interact with other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Drug type | Description |
|---|---|
| Do not take these with anything. | |
| Some narcotic medicines for cough | Severe drowsiness and breathing difficulties may occur. |
| Interactions may also occur with these (tell your doctor if you are taking them) | |
| Alcohol | Drowsiness and dizziness can be very severe. |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | Increases drowsiness. |
| Medicine that calms the mind and induces sleep | Increases drowsiness and decreased attention. |
| Some medications for depression | Increases the risk of side effects. |
| Narcotic pain medicines | Severe drowsiness may occur. |
| Anesthetic drugs for surgery | This is very important if you are going to have surgery. |
Things to consider when taking Orphenadrine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel very sleepy and dizzy . Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Don't get up suddenly: Getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position can cause dizziness and fall. This is especially important for older people.
- Avoid alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking Orphenadrine. Alcohol can make the side effects of the drug, especially drowsiness, more severe.
- Dry mouth: Your mouth may feel dry. You can help manage this by chewing sugarless gum, sucking on sugarless candy, or sipping water. If this problem persists, talk to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Orphenadrine can cause side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Feeling short of breath. |
| Unusual fatigue or weakness | Feeling extremely tired for no reason. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be said if they persist | |
| Dizziness | Feeling dizzy. |
| Dry mouth | Feeling like saliva is stuck in the mouth. |
| Tiredness/sleepiness | Generally feeling sleepy. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Orphenadrine is an injection given for severe muscle pain and stiffness. It relaxes the muscles.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- This may cause severe drowsiness and dizziness , so avoid driving and performing tasks that require alertness.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking orphenadrine.
- If you experience any severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing or skin rashes, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you suspect an overdose, call the National Poisons Information Center immediately or go to the nearest hospital ETU .
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