Some patients may experience transient episodes of light-headedness, dizziness or syncope. Norflex (orphenadrine) may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle; ambulatory patients should therefore be cautioned accordingly.

Norflex (orphenadrine) Injection contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than nonasthmatic people.

Confusion, anxiety and tremors have been reported in few patients receiving propoxyphene and orphenadrine concomitantly. As these symptoms may be simply due to an additive effect, reduction of dosage and/or discontinuation of one or both agents is recommended in such cases.

Orphenadrine citrate should be used with caution in patients with tachycardia, cardiac decompensation, coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias.

Safety of continuous long-term therapy with orphenadrine has not been established. Therefore, if orphenadrine is prescribed for prolonged use, periodic monitoring of blood, urine and liver function values is recommended.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Norflex (orphenadrine) . It is also not know whether Norflex (orphenadrine) can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Norflex (orphenadrine) should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/19/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.