orphenadrine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Antimuscarinic, also called an anticholinergic
Licensed role
Symptomatic treatment of parkinsonism, including medicine-induced parkinsonism
Form
Prescription-only oral solution taken by mouth
Driving
Do not drive or operate machinery if blurred vision, dizziness or unusual elation occurs
What is orphenadrine hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK oral solution is licensed as an anticholinergic treatment for:
Symptoms of parkinsonism, including idiopathic, post-encephalitic and arteriosclerotic forms
Drug-induced parkinsonism associated with neuroleptic treatment
How does orphenadrine hydrochloride work?
Orphenadrine blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. This helps rebalance cholinergic and dopaminergic signalling involved in movement and can reduce parkinsonian symptoms. It also has weak antihistamine and local-anaesthetic properties.
orphenadrine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg/5 mL
How to take orphenadrine hydrochloride
Take the oral solution by mouth exactly as directed by the prescriber. Do not change or stop treatment suddenly without advice.
Use an appropriate oral measuring device rather than a household spoon.
Ask a pharmacist before using the solution if its appearance or smell has changed.
Store below 25°C and protect it from direct sunlight.
orphenadrine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dry mouth
- Nausea or other stomach upset
- Dizziness or restlessness
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction, including wheezing, chest tightness, collapse or a severe skin reaction
- Seizures
- Hallucinations or marked confusion
- Very fast heartbeat
- Difficulty or inability to pass urine
orphenadrine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Evidence about use during human pregnancy is inadequate. Orphenadrine should be used only after the prescriber has considered the expected benefit and uncertainty, with particular caution because the oral solution also contains benzyl alcohol.
orphenadrine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Orphenadrine is probably excreted into breast milk, although the amount is expected to be small. A prescriber should assess whether treatment is necessary and consider the infant and the medicine’s anticholinergic effects.
orphenadrine hydrochloride interactions
Combining orphenadrine with other medicines having antimuscarinic effects can increase adverse effects. Check prescribed, pharmacy and non-prescription medicines with a pharmacist or prescriber.
Sedating antihistamines
May increase dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention, confusion and overheating.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Combined antimuscarinic effects can increase constipation, urinary retention, confusion and other atropine-like effects.
Phenothiazine antipsychotics
Antimuscarinic adverse effects may be intensified; continuing need should also be reviewed when treating medicine-induced symptoms.
Common questions about orphenadrine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is orphenadrine hydrochloride prescribed?
It is prescribed to relieve symptoms of parkinsonism, including parkinsonism caused by neuroleptic medicines.
Does orphenadrine hydrochloride cure Parkinson’s disease?
No. It is a symptomatic treatment and does not remove the underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease or other parkinsonian syndromes.
Can orphenadrine hydrochloride treat antipsychotic side effects?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.