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Drug Profile

Do NOT stop taking this or any drug without the advice of your physician. Some drugs can cause severe adverse effects when they are stopped suddenly.

Do Not Use [what does this mean?]
Generic drug name: orphenadrine (or FEN a dreen)
Brand name(s): INVAGESIC, NORFLEX
GENERIC: not available FAMILIES: Muscle Relaxants, Non-Narcotic Painkillers
Find the drug label by searching at DailyMed.

Do Not Use [what does this mean?]
Generic drug name: orphenadrine and aspirin and caffeine (or FEN a dreen, AS per in and kaf EEN)
Brand name(s): NORGESIC, NORGESIC FORTE, ORPHENGESIC, ORPHENGESIC FORTE
GENERIC: not available FAMILIES: Muscle Relaxants, Non-Narcotic Painkillers
Find the drug label by searching at DailyMed.

Alternative Treatment [top]

Rest, exercise, physical therapy, and an anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin.

Safety Warnings For This Drug [top]

Anticholinergic Effects

Warning: Special Mental and Physical Adverse Effects

Older adults are especially sensitive to the harmful anticholinergic effects of these drugs. Drugs in this family should not be used unless absolutely necessary.

Mental Effects: confusion, delirium, short-term memory problems, disorientation and impaired attention

Physical Effects: dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating (especially for a man with an enlarged prostate), blurred vision, decreased sweating with increased body temperature, sexual dysfunction and worsening of glaucoma

Facts About This Drug [top]

Orphenadrine was cleared for sale in the United States in November 1959 and is approved by the FDA in addition to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions. The way orphenadrine works has not been clearly identified. The drug does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles.[1]

Orphenadrine has not been shown to be any more effective than painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin alone, for...

Orphenadrine was cleared for sale in the United States in November 1959 and is approved by the FDA in addition to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions. The way orphenadrine works has not been clearly identified. The drug does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles.[1]

Orphenadrine has not been shown to be any more effective than painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin alone, for relieving the pain of local muscle spasm. It has a higher risk of side effects than these painkillers. Because orphenadrine is similar to a family of drugs called antihistamines, used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, it may cause some of the same side effects and dangerous drug interactions as antihistamines. Some people taking orphenadrine experience blurred vision, dry mouth, mild excitement, temporary dizziness, and lightheadedness. Many of these effects occur more often in older adults. Orphenadrine is particularly dangerous for people who have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, heart problems, or an enlarged prostate.

In the combination product Norgesic Forte, the aspirin by itself may be helpful along with rest, exercise, physical therapy, or other treatment recommended by your doctor. When taking this product you are, in fact, taking three drugs, each with its own cautions, side effects, and drug interactions. Like other fixed-combination products, this combination curtails the ability to vary doses of each drug.

last reviewed October 31, 2023

Disclaimer

The information on this website is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your doctor before changing or discontinuing any medication.