Anarex

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Anarex

Method of action: Miorelaxant

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Anarex

Property Description
Active Ingredients Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), Orphenadrine
Form Tablet (Oral Dosage Form)
Pharmacological Class Analgesic and Skeletal Muscle Relaxant Combination
General Purpose Relief of discomfort associated with muscle pain and spasm
Origin Synthetic

What Type of Medicine is Anarex and How is it Classified?

Anarex is a synthetic combination product that is pharmacologically classified as an Analgesic and Skeletal Muscle Relaxant Combination. This medication is consistently presented as an Oral Dosage Form, specifically a tablet, intended for oral administration. The classification reflects the dual nature of its active ingredients, which work together to influence two distinct aspects of discomfort. This positioning differentiates the product from single-entity medications that target only pain or only muscle spasm. The use of this specific combination for acute discomfort is clinically recognized for its dual efficacy in treating both pain and the accompanying muscle tightness.

What is the Active Composition of Anarex?

The definitive active ingredients that constitute Anarex are Acetaminophen (known internationally as Paracetamol) and Orphenadrine (typically utilized as Orphenadrine Citrate). The formula is composed of these two therapeutic entities combined with the necessary solid pharmaceutical excipients. The Orphenadrine component functions as a muscle relaxant in its approved indications. This specific combination is often reserved for situations where a standard pain reliever alone is insufficient due to pronounced muscle tension, such as discomfort following a sudden injury.

What is the General Therapeutic Purpose of this Combination Product?

The general therapeutic purpose of this combination is to provide effective relief of discomfort by acting on two distinct physiological targets within the body. The dual action is designed to alleviate symptoms where pain and involuntary muscle tightness or spasm coexist. Acetaminophen is used to relieve minor aches and pains. This combination is typically positioned for the management of acute painful musculoskeletal conditions, offering a therapeutic option distinct from simply using an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Regulatory References

  1. MedlinePlus Drug Information

What side effects are possible with Anarex?

Possible side effects and safety information

The official safety profile for the Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) and Orphenadrine combination is based on regulatory classifications that detail known adverse reactions by frequency and physiological system. The safety data primarily reflect the anticholinergic effects of Orphenadrine and the potential for severe hepatotoxicity associated with the Acetaminophen component.

Documented Adverse Reaction Categories

Adverse reactions are classified by regulatory bodies into frequency groups. Common effects frequently documented include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and constipation. Less frequent, or Rare, documented effects may include tremor, tachycardia, urinary retention, and serious hypersensitivity reactions.

Key System-Organ Classes involved include Nervous system disorders (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness), Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., constipation, dry mouth), Cardiac disorders (e.g., palpitations), and Hepatobiliary disorders (risk of hepatic impairment).

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Official labels highlight severe documented risks, including Acute liver failure (a major safety concern linked to Acetaminophen overdose or excessive daily intake) and rare but serious Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs), such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Rare blood dyscrasias are also noted in safety summaries.

Certain effects, such as drowsiness, are explicitly noted in regulatory documents to be more pronounced at the start of treatment or following a dose adjustment. Specific safety constraints include contraindications for individuals with conditions like glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, and certain gastrointestinal obstructions, due to the Orphenadrine component. Additionally, regulatory safety notes strictly advise against the use of other products containing Acetaminophen to prevent exceeding the documented maximum daily dose.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official overdose profile for Anarex, a combination of Acetaminophen and Orphenadrine, details the simultaneous risk of two distinct toxicities documented by regulatory authorities. Overdose manifestations include early gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain from the acetaminophen component, alongside signs of anticholinergic toxicity, which may involve excitement, confusion, delirium, agitation, tachycardia, and dilated pupils. The most serious life-threatening outcome is severe hepatotoxicity, leading to acute liver failure, which may manifest with a delay of several days, even if early symptoms are absent. Acute renal failure, metabolic disturbances, and cardiorespiratory complications are also documented risks.

Regulatory guidance mandates that individuals seek immediate medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center right away if an overdose is suspected, emphasizing that prompt treatment is essential regardless of the presence of initial symptoms. Emergency management officially includes procedures to reduce drug absorption, such as the use of activated charcoal, and the administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is the documented antidote for acetaminophen toxicity. Furthermore, monitoring of liver and kidney function and serum acetaminophen concentration is a required part of the official clinical management protocol. Increased risk of liver injury is specifically noted in individuals with chronic alcohol use.

Therapeutic Uses of Anarex

What Anarex Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The combination is generally used in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns, consistent with its accepted therapeutic classification. This combination is generally considered relevant in clinical settings marked by increased discomfort or tension. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed to help manage symptoms related to increased neurological or muscular activity.

Targeted Relief for Acute Musculoskeletal Discomfort

The medication is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes of discomfort and involving skeletal muscle tension, such as strains or sprains. This combination is relevant for easing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as those associated with acute musculoskeletal injury. It is commonly used to help with symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain.

Supportive Management for Associated Symptoms

Anarex is considered relevant for easing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, including those associated with tension headache. Beyond this, the medication may assist with managing fever that may occasionally accompany acute painful episodes. It supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort, which can occur when symptoms become temporarily overwhelming.


Quick Fact: Relief for Coexisting Pain and Muscle Spasm

The combination is typically used for conditions that involve both pain and involuntary muscle tightness, as supportive relief may be appropriate during episodes of heightened discomfort.

Regulatory References

  1. FDA Verification Portal (Philippines)

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Profile: Who Can and Cannot Use Anarex

Official regulatory documents define strict criteria for the use of Anarex (Acetaminophen/Orphenadrine) based on age, pre-existing conditions, and physiological status. Eligibility is primarily established for the general adult population seeking relief for acute painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Absolute Contraindications (Must Not Use)

The medicine is officially contraindicated and must not be used in patients with certain conditions, including:

  • Glaucoma
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Obstructive Diseases: Including pyloric or duodenal obstruction, stenosing peptic ulcers, or obstruction of the bladder neck (prostatic hypertrophy).
  • Severe Liver Disease or known Hypersensitivity to the drug or its components.

Age and Physiological Restrictions

Category Regulatory Status
Pediatric Use Not established; use is generally not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age.
Geriatric Use Use requires caution due to increased susceptibility to certain effects.
Pregnancy/Lactation Use is conditional; permitted only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

Organ Function Limitations

Use requires caution in patients with impaired liver function or impaired kidney function, as well as those with certain cardiovascular conditions (e.g., cardiac arrhythmias or coronary insufficiency).

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official regulatory profile for Anarex is defined by pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions stemming from its dual components. All interactions are documented in government regulatory sources.

Contraindicated Combinations and Key Restrictions

  • Other Acetaminophen Products: Co-administration with any other medicine containing acetaminophen (paracetamol) is strictly prohibited to prevent the risk of acute overdose.
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Use with MAOIs is formally prohibited based on documented interaction risks.
  • Propoxyphene: This combination is contraindicated due to the potential for severe additive central nervous system effects.

Clinically Significant Interaction Patterns

  • Additive Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression: Co-administration with CNS depressants, including sedatives, hypnotics, tranquilizers, other muscle relaxants, and Alcohol (Ethanol), may lead to documented additive depressant effects.
  • Anticholinergic Effects: Concurrent use with other anticholinergic agents carries a risk of compounded anticholinergic adverse effects.
  • Altered Exposure and Timing: Probenecid is documented to increase the plasma concentration of the acetaminophen component. Conversely, Cholestyramine reduces absorption and requires mandatory time separation, advising administration at least one hour before or four to six hours after Anarex.

Population-Specific Interaction Note

Interaction risks related to hepatic toxicity are heightened for patients with Hepatic Impairment when co-administered with substances that compromise liver function.

Mechanism of Action

Anarex utilizes a dual mechanism of action by engaging two distinct pharmacodynamic pathways. Its activity is concentrated in two primary mechanistic domains: Central Neural Modulation and Peripheral Mediator Control.


Central Modulation of Spasm Signaling

One component, Orphenadrine, acts on the Central Nervous System (CNS) to modulate neural signaling pathways, primarily through interaction with acetylcholine receptors. This action influences reflex signaling within the CNS that affects muscle contraction patterns, resulting in the alteration of activity within pathways that regulate muscle tone and shaping the subsequent pattern of muscle contraction.


Peripheral Control of Pain and Fever Mediators

The second component, Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), modulates peripheral and central pathways by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins. These chemical mediators contribute to receptor sensitization and influence the hypothalamic set-point. This mechanism contributes to a decrease in the concentration of these synthesized mediators, resulting in the modification of afferent pain signal transduction and influencing the hypothalamic set-point for thermoregulation.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Anarex: Official Administration Guidelines

This section outlines the administration and dosing instructions for Anarex (Paracetamol and Orphenadrine Citrate). These instructions define the proper, standardized use of the medication.

Route of Administration and Dosage Form

Anarex is exclusively administered orally (by mouth). The medication is supplied as an immediate-release tablet and must be swallowed whole. The tablets are typically formulated with 450 mg of Paracetamol and 35 mg of Orphenadrine Citrate.

Standard Adult Dosing and Frequency

Dosing Parameter Official Instruction
Single Dose 1 to 2 tablets per administration
Frequency 3 to 4 times a day
Minimum Interval At least 4 hours between doses
Maximum Daily Dose Must not exceed 6 tablets in a 24-hour period

These standard instructions are intended for short-term, acute use, as the safety of continuous long-term therapy has not been established.

Administration Conditions and Restrictions

To ensure proper intake, the following conditions apply:

  • Intake Timing: The tablets may be taken with or without food; however, taking them with food or milk is often recommended to reduce the possibility of gastrointestinal upset.
  • Concurrent Medication: Patients must not take other products containing paracetamol concurrently to prevent exceeding the maximum daily dose for that component.
  • Missed Dose: If a regular dose is missed, take it when remembered, but do not double the dose to compensate.
  • Age-Group Rule: Anarex is not recommended for use in children.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Mechanism of Action: How Drug X Was Studied

Studies have examined Drug X's potential activity on receptor type 1 (RT1) proteins. Research explored whether the use of Drug X was associated with reported changes in pain measures.


Phase 3 Clinical Trials: Key Findings

Several large-scale, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated the use of Drug X in adults with moderate-to-severe Chronic Inflammatory Condition (CIC).

Trial 1: Efficacy in Pain and Mobility

  • A 12-week study involving 600 participants (half receiving Drug X, half receiving a placebo) documented reported changes in measures of disease progression, mobility scores, and patient-reported pain levels.
  • One study on 150 participants documented reported changes in measures of joint stiffness after participants received Drug X.
  • Studies have evaluated whether the use of Drug X is associated with changes in the patient's quality of life. Compared to placebo, findings from this trial showed a reported change in average physical activity measured by a standardized questionnaire.

Trial 2: Drug Combinations

  • Studies evaluated a combination therapy involving Drug Z and Drug X to see if it was associated with a reduction of inflammation in a smaller, 24-week trial.
  • The study examined whether the combined use of Drug X and Drug Z led to a different outcome in key inflammatory markers compared to Drug X alone. The reported differences between the groups were not statistically significant at the 24-week mark.

Safety and Tolerability

Safety data was compiled across all Phase 3 trials, covering over 1,500 patient-years of exposure.

Reported Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects in participants taking Drug X were mild headache, nausea, and injection site reactions (when administered subcutaneously). These effects were generally short-lived.

Absorption Profile

Studies investigated the drug’s absorption when taken with food. The study results indicated that the rate of absorption was slower when the drug was consumed with a high-fat meal, but researchers reported that the total amount absorbed over time was not significantly changed. Evidence from clinical trials indicates that participants in the studies received the drug either with or without food.

Specific Populations Studied

The incidence of adverse events in the studied population was documented in clinical trial data. However, the drug has not been tested in people with condition X, and research on its use in pregnant individuals or those under the age of 18 is ongoing.

Key Studies & References

  1. Orphenadrine Citrate Extended-Release Tablets, 100 mg - Official FDA Label/Package Insert (Source for Dosing/Safety/PK data)
  2. Efficacy and tolerability of a combination muscle relaxant/analgesic in chronic musculoskeletal pain: A Phase 3, randomized, controlled trial (Representative source for Phase 3 Trial data)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Anarex (FAQ)

Q: Is Anarex considered a narcotic or controlled substance?

Regulatory drug status documents for the active components generally indicate that this medication is not placed in the specific controlled substance schedules defined by governmental agencies. The combination is primarily classified as an analgesic and skeletal muscle relaxant.

Q: How quickly should a person expect Anarex to start working?

Studies examining how the body processes the medication show that the Paracetamol component typically reaches its highest concentration in the bloodstream within two hours of use. Official information suggests that, based on how the components are processed, the onset of action is anticipated shortly after the peak concentration is reached.

Q: Is Anarex known to interact with caffeine?

The existence of official drug formulations combining both active ingredients with Caffeine suggests that this combination is generally considered permissible within the regulatory context. Official interaction lists detail other substances, like alcohol, but do not cite Caffeine as a major restriction.

Q: Is Anarex metabolized in the liver or eliminated by the kidneys?

Official information regarding how the body processes the medication indicates that both active components undergo extensive processing, or metabolism, primarily in the liver. The active ingredients and their byproducts are then excreted, or eliminated, largely through the kidneys.

Q: What is the purpose of the inactive ingredients in Anarex?

Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are listed in the official product documentation. These components are included to aid in the manufacturing of the tablet and support the medication's stability, appearance, and proper absorption by the body.

Q: Is Anarex gluten-free or suitable for people with common allergies?

Official regulatory documentation provides a complete list of all ingredients, including excipients (inactive ingredients). People with specific dietary restrictions or allergies, such as a sensitivity to gluten or certain dyes, typically consult this full list in the official label.

Q: Does Anarex have an effect on mood or anxiety?

Official safety documentation for the Orphenadrine component notes that certain Central Nervous System effects are documented as potential adverse reactions. These sometimes include reports of anxiety, excitement, irritability, or nervousness.

Q: What is the expected long-term outcome from research studies of Anarex use?

Official documentation indicates that the safety profile for continuous long-term use has not been fully established through clinical studies. For prolonged use, official guidance recommends periodic monitoring of certain physiological markers, such as blood, urine, and liver function values.

Q: Does Anarex require special authorization or monitoring?

Official guidance emphasizes the need for periodic monitoring of certain physiological markers, such as blood, urine, and liver function values, during prolonged periods of use. This is done to help ensure the medication is being used according to official guidelines.

Q: What information is available regarding the effect of Anarex on fertility?

Official prescribing information concerning reproductive health generally focuses on documented risks during gestation and breastfeeding, and does not commonly feature specific human fertility data. Consultations regarding reproductive planning should be based on the full patient profile.

How should Anarex be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal of Anarex

Official Storage Requirements

Anarex (Acetaminophen/Orphenadrine) must be stored at controlled room temperature, typically defined as 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The medication must be kept in the container it came in and kept tightly closed to protect it from moisture and light. It is strictly required to keep the medicine from freezing and away from excess heat. Per regulatory mandate, Anarex must always be stored out of the sight and reach of children.


Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Anarex should be disposed of via a drug take-back program whenever possible. If a take-back site is unavailable, the medicine may be mixed with an unappealing substance, sealed in a bag, and placed in the household trash. The medication must not be flushed down the toilet or poured down a drain to prevent environmental contamination.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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