Information for Patients
What
you need to know about Biorphen Liquid
Please
read this leaflet carefully before you start to take
your medicine. It contains important information
about Biorphen.
What's
in your medicine?
Each 5ml of
Biorphen contains 25mg orphenadrine hydrochloride BP. It
also contains the following inactive ingredients:
-
Sorbitol, glycerol, concentrated anise water,
saccharin sodium, Tween 20, benzoic acid and water.
Biorphen
comes in packs of 200ml.
Orphenadrine
hydrochloride is one of a group of medicines called
antimuscarinic drugs. It is given to correct a chemical
imbalance in the brain that affects the transmission of
nerve impulses, which occurs as a result of Parkinson's
disease.
What's
this medicine used for?
Biorphen is
used to treat Parkinson's disease and movement disorders
(involuntary movement or muscle spasms) caused by
certain drugs.
Before
you start your treatment
Tell
your doctor if any of the following applies to you:
-
You have ever had a rash or other possible
allergic reaction to orphenadrine or related
compounds, or to any of the other ingredients in
Biorphen (these are listed in 'What's in your
medicine?').
-
You are taking any other medicines (including
those you have bought yourself). Some medicines
can interfere with your treatment, so please
check with your doctor or pharmacist before you
take any medicines, especially:
-
Any medicines for depression;
-
Antihistamines (for allergies);
-
Disopyramide (for irregular heart beat);
-
Phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine or
thioridazine (for psychoses);
-
Amantadine (used in Parkinson's disease and
for some viral infections);
-
Antispasmodics (drugs used for stomach pain)
such as atropine sulphate, dicycloverine
hydrochloride or propantheline bromide.
-
You have a high heart rate for any reason.
-
You are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or
breast-feeding.
-
You have glaucoma (increased pressure in the
eye).
-
You suffer from problems with your liver, kidney
or prostate.
-
You have trouble passing urine.
-
You suffer from porphyria.
-
You suffer from tardive dyskinesia (involuntary
movements of the face or body)
Other special warnings
-
If you have blurred vision when you are being
treated with Biorphen, do not drive or work with
machinery until this effect has worn off.
-
Glycerol can be harmful in high doses. It can
cause headaches, stomach upsets and diarrhoea.
-
Biorphen contains 1.75g sorbitol per 5ml. When
taken as recommended each dose supplies 3.5g
sorbitol (10.5g total a day). If you are taking
the maximum recommended dose, this would give
28g a day. The calorific value of sorbitol is
2.6kcal/g. The sorbitol in Biorphen may have a
mild laxative effect. If you have been told by
your doctor that you have an intolerance to some
sugars, contact your doctor before taking this
medicine.
Treatment with Biorphen
Your doctor
will decide when and how to treat you with Biorphen.
The usual
dose is 150mg a day (two 5ml spoonfuls three times a
day). This may be gradually increased by your doctor up
to a maximum of 400mg a day (a total of 16 spoonfuls
daily). Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly as
your symptoms may get worse. Ask your doctor, who will
reduce the dose gradually if it needs to be lowered.
What
to do if you take too much Biorphen
If you
accidentally take too much liquid, or someone else
takes any of your medicine, you should tell your
doctor at once or contact your nearest casualty
department. Show any left-over medicine or the empty
container to the doctor.
What
to do if you miss a dose
If you
forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible,
unless it is almost time to take the next dose. DO
NOT take a double dose. Then go on as before.
Side
effects
Biorphen
sometimes causes the following side effects in some
people: Dry mouth, blurred vision, upset stomach,
dizziness, difficulty in urinating. Rare effects include
a fast heart beat, itching, rash, difficulty in
breathing, mood changes, nervousness, hallucinations,
confusion or difficulty in sleeping.
If they are
severe or last for more than a few days, tell your
doctor. If your medicine upsets you in any other way,
tell your doctor.
Storing
your medicine
The expiry
date for this medicine is on the packaging. Do not use
it after this date.
Keep all
medicines in a safe place where children cannot see or
reach them. If your doctor decides to stop your
treatment, return any unused medicine to the pharmacist.
Only keep it if your doctor tells you to.
Further
information
REMEMBER:
This medicine is only for you. Never give it to anyone
else, even if it sounds as if they have the same problem
as you. It may harm them.
The
information in this leaflet applies only to Biorphen. If
you have any questions or you are not sure about
anything, ask your doctor or a pharmacist.
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