Brand Name: Norgesic
Generic Name: orphenadrine citrate, aspirin and caffeine
Drug Class: Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
What is Norgesic, and what is it used for?
Norgesic is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain. Norgesic may be used alone or with other medications.
Norgesic belongs to a class of drugs called Analgesics, Other Combos.
It is not known if Norgesic is safe and effective in children younger than 12 years of age.
Warnings
- Because of the mild anti-cholinergic effect of orphenadrine, Norgesic and Norgesic Forte Tablets should not be used in patients with glaucoma, pyloric or duodenal obstruction, achalasia, prostatic hypertrophy, or obstructions at the bladder neck. Norgesic and Norgesic Forte Tablets are also contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis and in patients known to be sensitive to aspirin or caffeine.
- The drug is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to the drug.
- Reye’s Syndrome may develop in individuals who have chicken pox, influenza, or flu symptoms. Some studies suggest possible association between the development of Reye’s Syndrome and the use of medicines containing salicylate or aspirin. Norgesic (25mg/385mg/30mg) and Norgesic Forte Tablets (50mg/770mg/60mg) contain aspirin and therefore are not recommended for use in patients with chicken pox, influenza, or flu symptoms.
- Norgesic and Norgesic Forte Tablets may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle; ambulatory patients should therefore be cautioned accordingly.
- Aspirin should be used with extreme caution in the presence of peptic ulcers and coagulation abnormalities.
- Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) has been reported in patients taking NSAIDs such as Norgesic and Norgesic Forte. Some of these events have been fatal or life-threatening.
- DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and/or facial swelling.
- Other clinical manifestations may include hepatitis, nephritis, hematological abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis. Sometimes symptoms of DRESS may resemble an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often present.
- Because this disorder is variable in its presentation, other organ systems not noted here may be involved.
- It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity, such as fever or lymphadenopathy, may be present even though rash is not evident. If such signs or symptoms are present, discontinue Norgesic or Norgesic Forte and evaluate the patient immediately.
- Confusion, anxiety and tremors have been reported in a few patients receiving propoxyphene and orphenadrine concomitantly. As these symptoms may be simply due to an additive effect, reduction of dosage and/or discontinuation of one or both agents is recommended in such cases.
- Safety of continuous long-term therapy with Norgesic and Norgesic Forte Tablets has not been established; therefore, if Norgesic and Norgesic Forte Tablets are prescribed for prolonged use, periodic monitoring of blood, urine and liver function values is recommended.
What are the side effects of Norgesic?
Norgesic may cause serious side effects including:
- mood changes,
- confusion,
- anxiety,
- hallucinations,
- nervousness,
- agitation,
- shaking,
- fast, pounding or irregular heartbeats,
- hearing changes (ringing in your ears, difficulty hearing),
- difficulty urinating,
- easy bruising or bleeding,
- black stools,
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds,
- persistent stomach or abdominal pain,
- fainting,
- eye pain,
- unusual tiredness,
- change in the amount of urine,
- yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), and
- dark urine
Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
The most common side effects of Norgesic include:
- dry mouth,
- dizziness,
- drowsiness,
- lightheadedness,
- blurred vision,
- upset stomach,
- heartburn,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- constipation,
- trouble sleeping, and
- increased urination
Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of Norgesic. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the dosage for Norgesic?
Norgesic Tablets: Adults 1 or 2 tablets 3 to 4 times daily.
Norgesic Forte Tablets: Adults ½ to 1 tablet 3 to 4 times daily.
What drugs interact with Norgesic?
Is Norgesic safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Use of NSAIDs, including aspirin, can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios and, in some cases, neonatal renal impairment.
- Because of these risks, limit dose and duration of Norgesic and Norgesic Forte use between about 20 and 30 weeks of gestation, and avoid Norgesic and Norgesic Forte use at about 30 weeks of gestation and later in pregnancy.
- No information is provided regarding the effects of Norgesic on lactating women or breastfeeding infants.
QUESTION
Nearly everyone has low back pain at some time during their life. See AnswerSummary
Norgesic is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain (muscle spasms). Serious side effects of Norgesic include mood changes, confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, nervousness, agitation, shaking, fast, pounding or irregular heartbeats, hearing changes (ringing in your ears, difficulty hearing), difficulty urinating, easy bruising or bleeding, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and others.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Pain-Relief Tips for Bumps, Bruises, Sprains, and Strains in PicturesView this First Aid slideshow on Care and Pain Relief. See how to get pain relief if you've bumped your head, sprained your...
-
Pain Management: Signs Your Muscle Pain Is Something ElseCould your achy muscles be a sign of more than a tough workout? Learn when a twinge might warrant a visit to the doctor's office.
-
Pain Management: 15 Easy Ways to Reduce Chronic PainChronic pain can be a symptom of many conditions, including arthritis, headaches, and others. Comprehensive chronic pain...
-
Low Back Pain: 11 Stretches & Exercises for ReliefOne of the best low back pain treatments is exercise. Whether your pain is in the lower left or lower right back, learn more...
-
Lower Back Pain: Symptoms, Stretches, Exercise for Pain ReliefDo you suffer from low back pain? Learn more about common triggers of lower back pain like posture, exercise, and spondylosis....
-
Back Pain: 16 Back Pain Truths and MythsBack pain conditions are very common. Learn the causes of upper and lower back pain. Find the truth and get the facts behind back...
-
Pain Management: Surprising Causes of PainWhat's causing your pain? Learn the common causes of lower back pain, as well as pain in the knee, stomach, kidney, shoulder,...
-
Nerve Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment OptionsLearn about nerve pain symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Discover medications and natural remedies to relieve nerve pain.
-
Back Pain: Common Spine ProblemsThat stack of little bones along the center of your back has a key role to support and control your body. What happens when...
-
Back Pain Quiz: Test Your Back Pain IQThere are numerous causes of chronic lower back pain and only one ailment gets more complaints. What is it? Quiz your knowledge...
-
Pain Quiz: Test Your IQ of PainIs pain all in the brain? Take the Pain Quiz to learn everything you've ever wanted to know about the unpleasant sensation we...
-
Pain Management: All About CBD OilCannabidiol oil: It's made from marijuana and everyone seems to be talking about it. But what is it, and what does it really do?
-
Pain Management: Visual Guide to Frozen ShoulderIt's got nothing to do with cold weather. It means your shoulder is jammed up. WebMD guides you through the causes of frozen...
-
Neck Pain: Causes of Stiffness, Muscle Spasms, Treatment, and ReliefWhat causes chronic neck pain? If you have poor posture, bad sleep habits, or spine problems, these issues can lead to a stiff...
-
Pain Management: One-Move Fixes for Pain and StressA quick stretch, yoga pose, or on-the-spot exercise can help fix sudden aches from head to toe. Learn how to quash pain with just...
-
Back Pain: A Visual Guide to Herniated DisksHave you felt pain shooting down your leg from your lower back or rear end? It may be that one of the disks that separate the...
-
Pain Management: All About Your KneesThey do their job so well that you might take them for granted. Learn how they're put together, what can go wrong with them, and...
-
Back Pain: Bad Habits for Your BackYou’re more likely to have back pain as you get older. Here’s how to avoid making things worse with bad habits.
-
Back Pain: Tips for Traveling When You Have Back PainDon't let back or other pain keep you from your travel adventures. Try these tips to minimize discomfort during your next flight...
-
Pain Management: Ergonomic Tips for a Home OfficeAre you working at home? Find out how to set up a workspace to prevent stiffness, protect your muscles and joints, and avoid...
Related Disease Conditions
-
SciaticaSciatica, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, typically radiates from the low back to behind the thigh to below the knee. Disc herniation is usually the cause of sciatica. Medication to alleviate pain, physical therapy, and bed rest are treatments for sciatica.
-
Lower Back PainThere are many causes of lower back pain. Common causes of lower back pain (lumbar spine pain) include lumbar strain, nerve irritation, lumbar radiculopathy, bony encroachment, and conditions of the bone and joints.
-
Can Back Pain Cause Your Stomach to Swell?Back pain and bloating often go hand in hand and can be caused by a wide range of conditions, from herniated discs to pregnancy. Learn about common causes of back pain and stomach swelling, and check out the center below for more medical references on pain management, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
-
Neck Pain and DizzinessNeck pain and dizziness are both symptoms that may result from several causes and risk factors. Check out the center below for more medical references on neck pain and dizziness, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
-
How Do I Know If Back Pain Is Cancer?After considering your medical history and symptoms, your doctor will rule out other causes of back pain before determining if it’s a result of cancer or not.
-
Neck PainNeck pain (cervical pain, cervicalgia) may be caused by any number of disorders and diseases. Treatment for neck pain depends upon the cause. Treatment typically involves heat/ice application, traction, physical therapy, cortisone injection, topical anesthetic creams, and muscle relaxants.
-
Which Exercises to Avoid With Lower Back Pain?Doctors recommend strengthening exercises to help relieve low back pain, however, here are eight workouts to avoid potentially worsening your chronic pain.
-
12 Ways to Relieve Back PainThe 12 ways to relieve back pain include physical therapy, diet, mindfulness and meditation, stretching, lifestyle choices, injection treatments, acupuncture, hot and cold therapies, bed rest, chiropractic therapy, OTC medications, and yoga.
-
Reflex Sympathetic DystrophyReflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD) is a condition that features atypical symptoms including pain, tenderness, and swelling of an extremity associated with varying degrees of sweating, warmth and/or coolness, flushing, discoloration, and shiny skin.
-
When Should I Be Worried About Lower Back Pain?Lower back pain may be serious if the pain lasts for over a week, radiates to other parts of the body, or is accompanied by other symptoms.
-
How Do I Know if My Back Pain Is Kidney Related?The pain of kidney infection may be felt on the sides (flanks) and the back. Unlike the classical back pain due to muscle or bone involvement, which typically affects the lower back, kidney pain is felt higher up and at a greater depth.
-
Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain)Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that leads to ongoing pain symptoms. Patients can be predisposed to developing neuropathic pain who have conditions such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, HIV, vitamin deficiencies, shingles, and multiple sclerosis. Patient history and nerve testing are used to diagnose neuropathic pain. Antidepressants, antiseizure medications, and other types of medications are used to treat neuropathic pain. Many people with neuropathic pain are able to attain some level of relief.
-
Muscle PainMuscle pain (myalgia, myofascial pain syndrome) is pain in the body's soft tissues due to injury or strain. Symptoms include muscle pain with tender points and fatigue. Treatment usually involves physical therapy, massage therapy, or trigger point injection.
-
Kidney Pain vs. Back PainMaking the diagnosis of back pain or kidney pain requires the healthcare provider to talk to the patient, take a history of the illness and examine the patient. Most often, this can help determine if the symptoms are caused by back pain or kidney pain.
-
Pain Relief Options for ChildbirthWomen experience and tolerate pain differently. For some pregnant women, focused breathing is all they need to get through labor and childbirth; but for others, numbing of the pain is desired. There are a number of different medications a woman can take during labor and childbirth. It is important for you to learn what pain relief options are available. Please discuss the options with your health care professional well before your "birth day" so that when you are in labor you understand the choices.
-
Pain Management: Neuropathic PainNeuropathic pain is chronic pain resulting from injury to the nervous system. The injury can be to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
-
What Is the Best Exercise for Back Pain?We are often a bit negligent toward our back while doing chores or physical exercise. While the causes for back pain may vary, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for keeping the back healthy.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Pain Management Over-The-Counter
- Myositis Muscle (Pain and Inflammation) Serious Drug Interactions
- Pain and Stress: Endorphins: Natural Pain and Stress Fighters
- Sciatica Pain Vs. Fibromyalgia Pain: What Are The Differences?
- What Pain Medication Can I Take While on Warfarin?
- Pain Relievers and High Blood Pressure
Medications & Supplements
- aspirin - oral, Easprin, Ecotrin
- aspirin chewable - oral, Children's Aspirin
- aspirin
- Side Effects of Norflex (orphenadrine)
- acetaminophen/aspirin
- orphenadrine (Norflex)
- Aspirin Therapy (Guidelines for Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention)
- aspirin gum - oral, Aspergum
- orphenadrine - injection, Norflex
- aspirin suppository - rectal
- orphenadrine/aspirin/caffeine - oral, Norgesic
Health News
- 5,000+ Measles Cases Threaten Canada’s Elimination Status
- Home Exercises Ease Knee Arthritis Pain
- Puberty: The Signs, Stages & When to See a Doctor
- Medical Debt May Soon Return to Credit Reports
- Sitting For Long Periods? Sip Cocoa Or Munch Berries To Protect Heart Health, Experts Say
More Health News »
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.