Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Norflex as follows:
- Action of the chemical acetylcholine in the brain can contribute towards preventing dementia. Reduced activity of acetylcholine secondary to norflex use can increase risk for dementia. Norflex use can lead to quick deterioration of mental faculties in individuals diagnosed with dementia. So, norflex could be avoided for a safer alternative in individuals with established dementia.
- Norflex can induce relaxation of bladder with retention of urine and difficulty emptying the bladder. Norflex use can worsen the symptoms of prostate hypertrophy, increase urinary retention and difficulty emptying the bladder. Norflex could be avoided for a safer alternative in individuals with history of prostate enlargement and hypertrophy. Increased retention of urine in the bladder with norflex can sharply increase the risk for urinary tract infections.
- Norflex can induce relaxation of intestinal smooth muscle with slowing of bowels and constipation. Norflex use can worsen the symptoms of duodenal or intestinal obstruction, sharply increasing risk for intestinal back-up and in severe cases, even a rupture of intestines. Discuss with your physician regarding history of intestinal blockage or obstruction, if any. Norflex could be avoided for a safer alternative in individuals with history of slow bowels or intestinal obstruction.
- Norflex could interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on norflex, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with norflex. Also, if you have been taking norflex for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of norflex intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
