What is Orphenadrine used for?

Orphenadrine is used alongside rest and physical therapy to help relieve discomfort from acute muscle and bone pain.

Can Orphenadrine make me feel dizzy?

Yes, Orphenadrine may cause temporary episodes of light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting.

Is it safe to drive while taking Orphenadrine?

You should be cautious, as Orphenadrine can impair your ability to operate machinery or drive a vehicle.

What are the most common side effects of Orphenadrine?

The most common side effect is usually a dry mouth, often seen at higher doses.

Who should not take Orphenadrine?

People with glaucoma, certain stomach obstructions, enlarged prostate, or myasthenia gravis should not use Orphenadrine.

Is Orphenadrine safe to take during pregnancy?

Orphenadrine should only be used during pregnancy if it is absolutely necessary.

Can Orphenadrine cause confusion in older adults?

Yes, elderly patients may infrequently experience some mental confusion while taking Orphenadrine.

What should I do if I take too much Orphenadrine?

An overdose can be toxic; medical treatment may include emptying the stomach and intensive monitoring.

Orphenadrine | CAS 83-98-7 | QVYRGXJJSLMXQH

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Muscle relaxant and antihistamine

How it worksOrphenadrine works as a muscle relaxant and antihistamine. It may help relieve pain by acting on certain receptors in the brain and body, though its exact way of working is not fully understood.

Brand names:DISIPAL, NORFLEX

Used for

Relief of discomfort from acute painful muscle and bone conditions

Conditions

acute painful musculoskeletal conditions

Class

Muscle RelaxantAntihistamineMuscle relaxant and antihistamineMusculoskeletalCentral Nervous System

How to take

FormsExtended-release oral tablet

RoutesOral

For adults, the typical dose is two tablets per day, taken as one in the morning and one in the evening.

Key warnings

·Orphenadrine may make you feel light-headed, dizzy, or faint.
·This drug may impair your ability to drive or use machinery safely.

Do not use if

·Glaucoma
·Stomach or intestinal obstructions (pyloric or duodenal)
·Peptic ulcers
·Enlarged prostate or bladder neck obstruction
·Mega-esophagus (cardio-spasm)
·Myasthenia gravis
·Previous allergic reaction to orphenadrine

Side effects

Common

Dry mouthFast heartbeatBlurred visionDizzinessDrowsinessNauseaConstipation

Serious

·Hallucinations
·Agitation
·Tremors
·Urinary retention
·Increased eye pressure
·Mental confusion in elderly patients
·Rare cases of aplastic anemia

Seek help if

·Hallucinations
·Agitation
·Severe skin rashes
·Difficulty urinating

Interactions

·Orphenadrine inhibits several enzymes (CYP450 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 3A4) which may affect how other drugs are processed by your body.

Special populations

PregnancyOrphenadrine should only be used during pregnancy if it is clearly necessary, as it is unknown if it causes harm to the baby.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of orphenadrine in children have not been established.

GeriatricElderly patients may occasionally experience mental confusion while taking this medication.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Dizziness and light-headedness
·Heart rate (tachycardia)
·Vision changes
·Urinary retention

Questions to ask

·Should I avoid driving while taking Orphenadrine?
·Is Orphenadrine safe for my glaucoma?
·Will this interact with my other medications?

Pharmacokinetics

MetabolismInhibits several cytochrome P450 enzymes including 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4.

Practical

OverdoseAn overdose of orphenadrine is toxic and typically causes anticholinergic effects. The minimum lethal dose for adults is estimated at 2 to 3 grams, though this varies.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

hydroxypropyl methylcelluloselactose monohydratemagnesium stearate

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.