Orphenamol Tablet

Orphenamol Tablet is an oral combination tablet containing two active ingredients: Orphenadrine Citrate 35mg, a muscle relaxant, and Paracetamol 450mg, an analgesic and antipyretic. This exact strength combination is the same as several other regionally-registered orphenadrine-paracetamol tablets (such as Norgesic and similar branded equivalents), and Orphenamol is sold in Malaysia as an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product, available at a pharmacy counter without needing a doctor’s prescription.

Orphenadrine Citrate and Paracetamol are combined in a single tablet so that a person only needs to take one product rather than two separate tablets, and this particular combination has been used in general practice for many years, with published clinical comparisons available going back decades. Orphenamol Tablet is a plain, immediate-release, film- or sugar-coated oral tablet rather than an extended-release or topical formulation.

Orphenamol Tablet is sold in Malaysia in a pack of 10 tablets. It is not a single-ingredient product, so anyone already taking a separate paracetamol-only product, such as for fever or a headache, needs to be careful not to exceed the combined total paracetamol intake from both products across the day.

Take Orphenamol Tablet by mouth with a full glass of water, preferably after a meal, as taking it on an empty stomach may increase the chance of stomach upset in some people. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it unless a pharmacist has confirmed the specific tablet is suitable to be split or crushed.

Because this tablet already contains Paracetamol 450mg, check the label of any other medicine being taken at the same time — including other cold, flu, pain relief, or fever products — to make sure paracetamol is not being taken twice over from two different products, as this can add up to more than the recommended daily paracetamol limit.

For this orphenadrine 35mg / paracetamol 450mg strength combination, the commonly referenced adult dose used in comparable branded products is 2 tablets, taken 3 times a day. Always follow the exact dose stated on the Orphenamol pack insert, or as advised by a doctor or pharmacist, since labelled dosing can vary by product and region.

This tablet is generally intended for adult use; a doctor should be consulted before giving it to children or adolescents. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped rather than doubled.

See a doctor if muscle pain or spasm does not improve within a few days of regular use, if pain becomes severe, or if any new or worsening symptoms appear, including signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, which should prompt immediate medical attention given the paracetamol content.

Use Orphenamol Tablet before the expiry date printed on the blister strip and outer carton, and do not use the tablets once this date has passed.

Store Orphenamol Tablet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of the reach and sight of children. Keep the tablets in their original blister packaging until just before use.

• Common: Drowsiness or dizziness.
• Common: Dry mouth.
• Common: Blurred vision.
• Common: Nausea or mild stomach discomfort.
• Common: Headache.
• Serious: Signs of liver injury such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness, which can occur with excessive paracetamol intake — seek medical attention immediately.
• Serious: Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread skin rash — stop the tablet and seek emergency care.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to Orphenadrine Citrate, Paracetamol, or any other ingredient in the tablet.
• Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), due to the antimuscarinic effects of orphenadrine.
• Myasthenia gravis or other conditions causing significant muscle weakness.
• Obstruction of the stomach, intestines, or urinary tract (pyloric or duodenal obstruction, or bladder-neck obstruction), due to orphenadrine’s antimuscarinic action.
• Severe liver impairment, given the paracetamol content.

• Do not take together with another product containing Paracetamol, to avoid exceeding the recommended total daily paracetamol dose.
• Orphenadrine may increase the antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) effects of certain other medicines, including some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, and phenothiazine-type medicines, which can worsen dry mouth, blurred vision, or urinary retention.
• Alcohol can increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by orphenadrine, so it is best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking this tablet.
• Caution is advised when this tablet is combined with other central nervous system depressants, as the combined sedative effect can be more pronounced.

• Take each dose with a full glass of water after a meal.
• Check every other medicine you take for paracetamol on the label to avoid an accidental double dose.
• Be cautious about driving or operating machinery until you know how this tablet affects you, as it can cause drowsiness.
• Avoid or limit alcohol while taking this tablet.
• Keep the tablets in the original blister pack until just before each dose.
• Note the expiry date and discard the medicine responsibly once it has passed.

Precautions: Use with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding, only after discussing with a doctor or pharmacist. Caution is also advised in the elderly, in people with kidney or liver impairment (given the paracetamol content), and in anyone taking other sedating medicines or alcohol. Because orphenadrine can cause drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery until the individual response to the tablet is known.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if muscle pain does not improve after a few days, if pain becomes severe, or if signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes or dark urine appear. Stop the tablet and get urgent medical attention if signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing, occur.