2-Dimethylaminoethyl-2-methyl-benzhydryl ether citrate

Usesskeletal muscle relaxant, antihistaminic agent

UsesA histaminergic compound

UsesMuscle relaxant (skeletal); antihistaminic

General DescriptionOrphenadrine citrate, N,Ndimethyl-2-(o-methyl-α-phenylbenzyloxy)ethylamine citrate(1:1) (Norflex), introduced in 1957, is closely related todiphenhydramine structurally but has much lower antihistaminicactivity and much higher anticholinergic action.Likewise, it lacks the sedative effects characteristic ofdiphenhydramine. Pharmacological testing indicates that itis not primarily a peripherally acting anticholinergic becauseit has only weak effects on smooth muscle, on the eye,and on secretory glands. It does reduce voluntary musclespasm, however, by a central inhibitory action on cerebralmotor areas, a central effect similar to that of atropine.