Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking orphenadrine as follows:
- Oral orphenadrine can induce some nausea and vomiting, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Orphenadrine can also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.
- Orphenadrine administered into the vein can result in inflammation of the vein with redness and swelling of the site. Individuals could experience intense pain and tenderness with parenteral orphenadrine administration at the site of injection. In severe cases, orphenadrine administered as a shot can result in necrosis of body tissue at the site of injection. Watch for signs and symptoms of inflammation at the site of injection. Report any uncontrolled pain, tenderness, and worsening discoloration at the injection site to your physician for appropriate recommendation.
- Orphenadrine use can result in episodes of confusion, dizziness, and light-headedness. Starting the medication at a low dose and gradually increasing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. Do not change the prescribed dose on this medication without consulting your physician. The dizziness should progressively decrease and ease out in due course of time. If the dizziness continues/worsens and becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by orphenadrine intake. Observing compliance with use of recommended assistive devices, such as, cane and walker can further safety during confused states. Avoiding quick changes in position can also contribute towards fall and accident prevention.
