Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Orphenadrine as follows:
- Orphenadrine use can also result in fast and pounding heartbeat. Individuals with history of cardiac arrhythmias can be at increased risk for precipitation of arrhythmic episodes with orphenadrine use and must be increasingly watchful to report worsening symptoms of arrhythmias, such as, chest pain, low blood pressure, confusion, dizziness, increasing shortness of breath, and worsening fatigue. Hypotension and irregular heartbeat, secondary to orphenadrine intake, can contribute to the confusion and dizziness, thus significantly increasing the risk for fall and accidents. Orphenadrine could best be avoided for a safer alternative or used with extra caution in individuals with history of life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Orphenadrine is metabolized inside the body by the liver and is excreted out of the body mainly in urine by the kidneys. If liver function is deficient, metabolism of the drug could be compromised, which can result in higher concentrations of the drug in the body for longer periods of time. If kidney function is deficient, elimination of the drug could be compromised, which also can result in higher concentrations of the drug and metabolites in the body for longer periods of time. Either case can contribute to toxicity and consequent side-effects. So, for individuals with history of compromised hepatic and/or renal function, orphenadrine could either be avoided for a safer alternative or used with caution, with close monitoring for symptoms of toxicity with orphenadrine.
