Norgesic

Generic name: Orphenadrine Citrate, Aspirin and Caffeine

What is Norgesic?

Norgesic is used for the relief of mild-to-moderate pain of severe muscle disorders. Norgesic is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat discomfort associated with painful muscular conditions

What is the most important information I should know about Norgesic?

Norgesic may impair your ability to drive a car or operate dangerous machinery. Do not participate in potentially hazardous activities until you know how you react to Norgesic.

Because Norgesic contains aspirin, you should be careful taking it if you have a peptic ulcer or problems with blood clotting.

The safety of continuous, long-term therapy with Norgesic has not been established, your doctor should monitor your blood, urine, and liver function if you use Norgesic for a prolonged period of time.

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.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, itching, a fever, or nasal congestion during treatment with Norgesic.

Watch for bloody, black, or tarry stools or bloody vomit. This could indicate damage to the stomach.

Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed. If the pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

Who should not take Norgesic?

Do not take Norgesic if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Taking aspirin while you have chickenpox or flu may cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome; do not give Norgesic to anyone with these diseases. Call your doctor if fever or swelling develops.

Do not use Norgesic if you have an enlarged prostate or a blockage of the urinary tract (difficulty urinating), or myasthenia gravis.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Norgesic?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Norgesic. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have had an eye condition called glaucoma, a stomach or intestinal blockage, an enlarged prostate gland, a bladder obstruction, achalasia (failure of stomach or intestinal muscles to relax), or myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness and fatigue).

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual starting dose is 1 to 2 tablets 3 to 4 times daily.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Norgesic have not been established in children.

How should I take Norgesic?

If aspirin upsets your stomach, you may take Norgesic with food. Take it exactly as prescribed. Take each dose with a full glass of water. If the pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Norgesic?

Avoid driving a car or operate dangerous machinery.

Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking aspirin/caffeine/orphenadrine. Also, in combination with aspirin, alcohol can be damaging to the stomach.

Do not take other over-the-counter and prescription products that contain aspirin. Too much aspirin could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter preparations.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Norgesic?

If Norgesic is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Norgesic with the following: coumadin, diclofenac, etodolac, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, nabumetone, naproxen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oxaprozin, piroxicam, propoxyphene, sulindac, and tolmetin.

What are the possible side effects of Norgesic?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: Blurred vision, confusion (in the elderly), constipation, difficulty in urinating, dilation of the pupils, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, hallucinations, headache, hives, light-headedness, nausea, palpitations, rapid heart rate, skin diseases, stomach and intestinal bleeding, vomiting, weakness

Call your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, itching, a fever, or nasal congestion during treatment with Norgesic.

Watch for bloody, black, or tarry stools or bloody vomit. This could indicate damage to the stomach.

Can I receive Norgesic if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Norgesic during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Norgesic?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

How should I store Norgesic?

Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat.