Banflex

 
Generic Name: orphenadrine

Brands: Norflex

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What is the most important information I should know about Banflex?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Banflex may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Banflex.

· Do not crush or chew the extended-release tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.

 

What is Banflex?

· Banflex is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.

· Banflex is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions.

· Banflex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Banflex?

· Do not take Banflex if you have     ·glaucoma,     ·an obstruction or an ulcer in your stomach,     ·an enlarged prostate or a blockage in your urinary tract (difficulty urinating), or     ·myasthenia gravis.

· Before taking Banflex, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.

· It is not known whether Banflex will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Banflex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is also not known whether Banflex passes into breast milk. Do not take Banflex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· Banflex is not approved for use in children.

 

How should I take Banflex?

· Take Banflex exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Banflex is usually taken two tablets per day; one in the morning and one in the evening. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· Do not crush or chew the extended-release tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.

· Store Banflex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Banflex overdose include seizures, an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure (dizziness, fainting), cold, clammy skin, confusion, and coma. Death can occur in 3 to 5 hours.

 

What should I avoid while taking Banflex?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Banflex may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Banflex.

 

What are the possible side effects of Banflex?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Banflex and seek emergency medical attention:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·an irregular or a very fast heartbeat; or     ·confusion, hallucinations, or abnormal behavior.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Banflex and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·dry mouth;     ·drowsiness or dizziness;     ·headache;     ·tremor;     ·blurred vision or large pupils;     ·difficulty urinating;     ·dry mouth; or     ·nausea, stomach upset, or constipation.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Banflex?

· Tell your doctor if you are taking amantadine (Symmetrel) before starting Banflex therapy. Banflex and amantadine (Symmetrel) can both cause side effects such as dry mouth, difficulty urinating, constipation, blurred vision, and others. Together, these side effects may be more pronounced.

· Many drugs can increase the effects of Banflex, which can lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine), clemastine (Tavist), and many others;     ·narcotics (pain killers) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others);     ·sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal);     ·phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine); or     ·antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Banflex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Banflex written for health professionals that you may read.

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