Norgesic (Orphenadrine Citrate with Aspirin and Caffeine) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Norgesic

Lower Back Pain »

Low back pain facts

Functions of the low back, or lumbar area, include structural support, movement, and protection of certain body tissues.
Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.
Treatment of low back pain is optimally directed toward a diagnosed or suspected specific cause. For acute lumbar strain, use of a home remedy initially can be beneficial.

What is the anatomy of the low back?

The first step to understanding low back pain is appreciating the normal design (anatomy) of the tissues of this area of the body. Important structures of the low back that can be related to symptoms in this region include the bony lumbar spine (vertebrae, singular = vert...

Read the Lower Back Pain article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Norgesic User Reviews >>

Norgesic

Back Pain Slideshow Pictures

Low Back Pain Slideshow

Take the Back Pain Quiz!

font size

Norgesic Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, weakness, headache, stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, constipation, and dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (e.g., stimulant-type with stool softener).

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, anxiety, hallucinations), fast/pounding heartbeat, hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears), difficult urination.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, black/bloody/tarry stools, fainting, fast heartbeat, eye pain, stomach/intestinal blockage (e.g., persistent nausea/vomiting, prolonged constipation), difficult/painful swallowing, unusual tiredness, change in the amount of urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing trouble.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to orphenadrine, aspirin, or caffeine or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain eye problem (glaucoma), aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), stomach/intestinal ulcers or blockage, enlarged prostate, bladder blockage, a certain esophagus problem (mega-esophagus/cardio-spasm), a certain type of muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), bleeding problems, gout, stomach problems (e.g., acid-reflux disease, heartburn), heart problems (e.g., fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, heart failure), high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, urinary problems (e.g., trouble starting the flow of urine).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This medication contains aspirin. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness without first consulting a doctor about Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion.

Aspirin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.