Orphenadrine (Norflex)

Actions: The mode of therapeutic action has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its analgesic properties. Orphenadrine also possesses anticholinergic actions.

Indications: management of pts who are also getting other modes of therapy for care of pain conditions associated with spasms.

*So the question arises: do we combat the pain to stop the spasm, or combat the spasm to stop the pain? An axiom of physical therapy says that if you stop the pain, spasm is blocked. So both mechanisms would work. Norflex is indicated specifically for pain associated with muscle spasms, and has no indications for other pain.

Contraindications: glaucoma, pyloric or duodenal obstruction, stenosing peptic ulcers, prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), myasthenia gravis

The main side effect that we’ll see is severe xerostomia.

Category: Pharmacology Notes