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Orphenadrine


  • Orphenadrine may cause blurred vision and dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery if this happens
  • Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. They will want to reduce your dose gradually

About orphenadrine

Type of medicine Antimuscarinic
Used for Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's symptoms caused by other medicines
Also called Biorphen
Disipal
Available as Tablets
Oral solution

The cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown but it's symptoms of shaking, stiffness and slow movement are due to there being less of a chemical called dopamine in the brain.

These symptoms are also sometimes experienced by patients who do not have Parkinson's disease, as a side effect of a medicine they are taking.

Orphenadrine reduces the stiffness and shaking caused by the lack of dopamine in the brain. It also helps to reduce the amount of saliva that is produced. Too much saliva may be produced in Parkinson's disease.

Before taking orphenadrine

Before taking orphenadrine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have prostate problems or problems passing water
  • If you have constipation.
  • If you suffer from glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye)
  • If you suffer from porphyria
  • If you have uncontrollable movements of the tongue, lips, face, trunk, hands or feet

How to take orphenadrine

  • Take orphenadrine exactly as directed by your doctor
  • At first you will probably be asked to slowly increase the number of doses you take until your symptoms improve
  • Do not stop taking orphenadrine without speaking to your doctor. They will want to reduce your dose slowly before stopping.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Orphenadrine can cause dizziness and blurred vision, particularly during the first few days of treatment. Make sure you know how you react before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were dizzy or unable to see properly
  • As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Allow your body to adjust to changing balance, circulation and co-ordination by increasing physical activity gradually. This is especially important in the elderly.
  • If you have been given the tablet form of orphenadrine try to avoid handling the tablets

Can orphenadrine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Dry mouth Try taking orphenadrine before food. Chew sugar-free gum, suck sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes too much of a problem speak to your doctor
Feeling or being sick Try taking orphenadrine after food to reduce this
Blurred vision Do not drive or operate machinery if you cannot see properly. Ask your doctor for advice.
Constipation Drink plenty of water and eat foods high in fibre such as fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread. If constipation becomes a problem speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Other side effects that may occur are problems passing water, dizziness, fast heartbeat, feeling confused, feeling restless or nervous, problems with memory, seeing or hearing things that are not real, problems sleeping, a rash

How to store orphenadrine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3570		 DocRef:
dils3012		 Last Updated:
16 Mar 2007		 Date of Next Review:
15 Mar 2009		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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