Last reviewed · How we verify
Norgesic (acetylsalicylic acid)
Orphenadrine citrate centrally acts on brain stem to selectively block facilitatory reticular functions.
Norgesic Forte combines orphenadrine citrate, aspirin, and caffeine for symptomatic relief of mild to moderate acute musculoskeletal pain. The orphenadrine component acts centrally on the brain stem reticular formation and possesses anticholinergic properties. Contraindications include glaucoma, urinary/GI obstructions, myasthenia gravis, and hypersensitivity to aspirin or caffeine. Long-term animal studies demonstrated safety with no toxicity or pathological changes observed.
At a glance
| Generic name | acetylsalicylic acid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ASA, aspirin, Aspirin, Cardirene, Aspirin(Bayer) |
| Sponsor | Endo |
| Drug class | centrally acting muscle relaxant with anticholinergic properties |
| Target | reticular formation (brain stem) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1950 |
Mechanism of action
Orphenadrine citrate is a centrally acting compound that selectively blocks facilitatory functions of the reticular formation in the brain stem. The drug does not produce myoneural block or affect crossed extensor reflexes. The exact mode of therapeutic action has not been clearly identified but may be related to its analgesic properties. Orphenadrine also possesses anticholinergic actions. In combination with aspirin and caffeine, chronic administration studies in animals showed no drug-related toxicity, blood or urine changes, or pathological changes.
Approved indications
- Arthritic Pain
- Backache
- Common cold
- Headache disorder
- Influenza-like symptoms
- Joint pain
- Migraine
- Myocardial infarction
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sinus headache
- Toothache
Boxed warnings
- This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:oare age 60 or olderohave had stomach ulcers or bleeding problemsotake blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drugotake other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or othersohave or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this productotake more or for longer time that directed. ohives. ofacial swelling. oshock. oasthma (wheezing). oare age 6
Common side effects
- pyrexia
- Headache
- Nausea/Nausea and Vomiting
- Abdominal pain/Abdominal pain with Bloating
- Cough/Cough due to Cold Symptoms
- Flu like symptoms(Sick/Cough due to cold symptoms/Nasal and chest congestion)
- Acid Reflux
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Chills
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Drug interactions
- celecoxib
- dicoumarol
- heparin
- ibuprofen
- methotrexate
- phenprocoumon
- probenecid
- rofecoxib
- sulfinpyrazone
- valdecoxib
- valproic acid
- warfarin
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Norgesic CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Norgesic updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Endo portfolio CI