Norgesic combines orphenadrine (a skeletal muscle relaxant) and paracetamol (a pain reliever). Doctors prescribe it to relieve pain accompanied by muscle spasm, such as lower back pain and neck strain. Its most common side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth. It must not be combined with any other medicine containing paracetamol, and it should be used with caution in glaucoma and enlarged prostate. Back pain accompanied by leg numbness or urinary problems requires immediate emergency care.
What is Norgesic and what does it contain?
Norgesic (Norgesic) is a tablet that combines two active ingredients: orphenadrine (Orphenadrine) and paracetamol (Paracetamol). According to the Norgesic page in the drug directory, each tablet contains 35 mg of orphenadrine and 450 mg of paracetamol.
Orphenadrine belongs to the group of skeletal muscle relaxants (Skeletal muscle relaxants). It works by changing the way the body perceives muscle pain [1]. Paracetamol is a pain reliever, and it is the reason for the most important warning in this article.
Note that the name "Norgesic" does not mean the same formulation in every country. US drug information states that the name Norgesic there refers to a product containing aspirin, caffeine and orphenadrine [1]. Therefore, read the active ingredients written on your package, and ask your pharmacist if you are not sure of the formulation.
When does a doctor prescribe Norgesic?
Orphenadrine is used together with rest, physiotherapy and other measures to relieve pain caused by strains, sprains and muscle injuries [1]. According to the drug directory, doctors usually prescribe it for the following:
- Lower back pain caused by a lumbar muscle strain or disc problems.
- Spasm of the neck and shoulder muscles.
- Muscle strain after sports injuries or incorrect movements.
- Tension headache caused by spasm of the neck muscles.
What does the medicine not do?
Norgesic does not treat the cause of the problem, such as a slipped disc itself. Instead, it relieves the symptoms while the cause is treated. This is important because most back pain improves on its own over time, and not every pain needs medication.
Back pain is very common, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives [3]. It usually improves within a few weeks, and one of its common causes is muscle strain [2]. To learn more about causes and diagnosis, read Back Pain Guide: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment, or browse our pages on low back pain and musculoskeletal pain.
How is Norgesic used safely?
The key is to take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Drug information emphasizes not taking more or less than prescribed, and not taking it more often than specified [1].
The drug directory states that the usual adult dose is two tablets, 3 to 4 times a day. However, the actual dose is determined by your doctor or pharmacist based on your condition and your other medicines, so do not rely on this figure alone.
For children: the medicine should not be given without consulting a doctor, and the dose is based on weight and must be prescribed by a doctor or directed by a pharmacist.
Practical tips during use
- Missed dose: Take it when you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed one and do not double the dose [1].
- Duration of treatment: Do not use it for longer than the period your doctor specified. If the pain persists for more than 7 to 10 days, see a doctor to assess the cause instead of increasing painkillers.
- Before any surgery: Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine [1].
- Storage: Keep it in its tightly closed package at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom) and out of the reach of children [1].
Can Norgesic be taken with Panadol or cold medicines?
No. Each Norgesic tablet contains paracetamol, so do not combine it with any other medicine containing this ingredient, such as Panadol, Adol and many combination cold and flu medicines. Combining them may exceed the maximum daily dose of paracetamol and expose the liver to poisoning.
Paracetamol overdoses can cause serious liver damage, the symptoms of which may not appear until later. Therefore, read the list of active ingredients on any medicine you buy without a prescription, and look for the word "Paracetamol" or "Acetaminophen."
Other important interactions
- Alcohol and sedatives: The drowsiness effect increases with alcohol, sedatives, sedating antihistamines and other muscle relaxants. Alcohol also increases the side effects of orphenadrine [1].
- Tricyclic antidepressants and anticholinergics: Dry mouth and urinary retention may worsen with them. To learn more about these medicines, read the antidepressant guide.
- All medicines and supplements: Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take, whether prescription or over the counter, as well as vitamins and herbs [1]. To distinguish drug interactions from side effects, read this common question.
Even if the additional painkiller contains a different ingredient, ask your pharmacist before adding it. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, for example, may not suit everyone [2].
What are the side effects of Norgesic?
The most common effects are caused by orphenadrine because it has an anticholinergic effect. Most are mild and go away when the medicine is stopped, but you should inform your doctor if they are severe or persistent [1].
| Effect | What you should know |
|---|---|
| Dry mouth | One of the most common effects [1] |
| Drowsiness and dizziness | Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you [1] |
| Blurred vision | Usually temporary [1] |
| Constipation, stomach upset and vomiting | Tell your doctor if severe or persistent [1] |
| Difficulty urinating | More likely in older adults and patients with enlarged prostate |
| Rapid heartbeat | May occur occasionally |
Symptoms that require contacting a doctor immediately
Serious symptoms include rapid or irregular heartbeat, fainting, confusion, hallucinations and skin rash [1]. If swelling of the face or lips or difficulty breathing appears, these are signs of an allergy: stop the medicine and seek urgent medical help.
In case of overdose, drug information states that anyone who collapses, has a seizure, has difficulty breathing or cannot be woken needs an ambulance immediately [1]. In Jordan, call 911.
Is Norgesic suitable for everyone?
No. You must tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis (Myasthenia Gravis), ulcers, blockage of the urinary or intestinal tract, enlarged prostate, irregular heart rhythm, or liver, kidney or heart disease [1]. The final decision always rests with the doctor.
| Condition | Reason for caution |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma (raised eye pressure), especially narrow-angle | The medicine is contraindicated in this condition according to the drug directory |
| Enlarged prostate with urinary retention | May increase difficulty urinating, and the medicine is contraindicated with urinary retention |
| Obstruction or narrowing of the digestive system | A contraindication |
| Myasthenia gravis | A contraindication |
| Severe liver failure | Due to paracetamol |
| Heart disease and rhythm disorders, and liver and kidney disease | Used with extreme caution and under medical supervision |
| Age 65 and older | Not usually recommended because it is less safe than other alternatives [1] |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | Pregnancy category C: used only if the doctor determines that its benefit outweighs its risks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding [1] |
| Allergy to orphenadrine or paracetamol | A contraindication |
If you are not sure of your situation, do not guess. Present your condition to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, and bring a written list of all your medicines [1].
Is medication alone enough to treat back pain?
Usually not. Drug information describes orphenadrine as used together with rest and physiotherapy, not as a replacement for them [1]. There are home measures that speed up recovery:
- Stay active and continue your daily activities as much as possible, and do not stay in bed for long periods [2]. Staying in bed for more than a day or two may worsen the pain [3].
- Use a cold pack wrapped in cloth to relieve pain and swelling, and a warm pack to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasm [2].
- Try back stretching exercises, and stop and consult a doctor if the pain increases. Walking, swimming, yoga and Pilates may also help [2].
If the pain does not improve after several weeks, physiotherapy, manual therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended to help you adapt to the pain [2]. To prevent recurrence, read How do I strengthen my back muscles?
Not every muscle pain is caused by a simple strain. It may be linked to inflammatory diseases, such as myositis, or to other medicines, such as muscle pain while taking cholesterol medicines. If the pain is unclear or accompanied by weakness, seek medical evaluation rather than relying on painkillers alone.
When should you see a doctor and when should you go to the emergency room?
The level of risk determines the appropriate step. This is a summary based on the sources:
See a doctor if
- The pain is severe or has not improved after 3 days [3], or it followed an injury.
- It has not improved after several weeks of home care, or it prevents you from your daily activities, or you are anxious or unable to tolerate it [2].
- You have lost weight without a reason, or you notice a lump or swelling in the back or a change in its shape [2].
- The pain does not improve with rest or gets worse at night, worsens with sneezing, coughing or bowel movements, or is located in the upper back between the shoulder blades [2].
- The pain persists for more than 7 to 10 days despite using Norgesic.
Request an urgent appointment
Request an urgent appointment or go to the nearest medical facility if you experience fever, chills or shivering or general malaise along with back pain, or if severe pain starts suddenly or worsens rapidly [2].
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if
- Pain, tingling, weakness or numbness appears in both legs together.
- You lose sensation around the genitals or the anus.
- Control of the bladder or bowels changes, such as difficulty urinating or loss of control over urine or stool.
- Sexual sensation or function changes.
- You have chest pain, or back pain began after a serious accident such as a road traffic accident [2].
Do not drive yourself to the emergency room. Ask someone to take you or call an ambulance, and take your medicines with you [2]. These signs require urgent evaluation by an orthopedic or neurology specialist, and should not be managed by increasing painkillers. Do not wait for the medicine's effect to wear off if you develop signs of an allergy or difficulty breathing.
How do you find the right doctor or clinic in Jordan?
The most suitable specialty depends on the type of pain. Orthopedic doctors evaluate the back and joints, neurologists evaluate pain accompanied by numbness or weakness, and physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors and physiotherapists design exercise and rehabilitation programs.
On ClinicsJo, you can browse doctors and clinics by specialty and governorate, then read profiles and contact or book where the profile allows. These pages may help you:
- Back pain symptoms page to understand the symptoms and related specialties.
- Directory of doctors treating disc problems without surgery, to browse doctors by this condition.
- Muscle relaxation service page to learn which providers offer it.
What to check in the profile
- The specialty, governorate and area that suits you.
- Working hours and available methods of contact or booking.
- Services listed, such as evaluation, physiotherapy and exercises.
Questions to ask at the appointment
- What is the likely cause of my pain, and do I need tests or imaging?
- Is Norgesic suitable for me given my current conditions and medicines?
- How long should I use it, and what should I do if the pain does not improve?
- Which medicines or painkillers should I avoid combining with it?
- What exercises and physiotherapy are appropriate, and what warning signs require emergency care?
ClinicsJo is a search and information directory, and does not provide medical advice or prescriptions. Medicines and their general prices in Jordan are regulated by the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), so ask your pharmacist about the registered formulation and any possible interactions.
Quick summary
- Norgesic relieves pain accompanied by muscle spasm, but does not treat the cause of the pain.
- It contains paracetamol, so do not combine it with any other medicine containing it.
- It may cause drowsiness, dry mouth and difficulty urinating, so avoid driving if you feel drowsy, and do not take it with alcohol.
- Glaucoma, enlarged prostate with urinary retention, older age and pregnancy are conditions that require the doctor's decision.
- Leg numbness, urinary or bowel changes with back pain are an emergency: call 911.
Frequently asked questions
What is Norgesic and what does it contain?
Norgesic is a tablet combining two active ingredients: orphenadrine, a muscle relaxant, and paracetamol, a pain reliever. According to the drug directory, each tablet contains 35 mg of orphenadrine and 450 mg of paracetamol. Read the active ingredients written on your package, because the name Norgesic does not mean the same formulation in every country.
When does a doctor prescribe Norgesic?
Orphenadrine is used together with rest and physiotherapy to relieve pain caused by strains, sprains and muscle injuries. Doctors usually prescribe it for lower back pain caused by muscle strain, spasm of the neck and shoulder muscles, muscle strain after sports injuries, and tension headache caused by neck muscle spasm. The medicine does not treat the cause of the problem; it relieves the symptoms.
Can Norgesic be taken with Panadol or cold medicines?
No. Each tablet contains paracetamol, so do not combine it with any other medicine containing this ingredient, such as Panadol, Adol and many combination cold and flu medicines. Combining them may exceed the maximum daily dose of paracetamol and poison the liver. Therefore, look for the word "Paracetamol" or "Acetaminophen" in the list of active ingredients.
What are the side effects of Norgesic?
The most common side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth. Most are mild and go away when the medicine is stopped, and you should tell your doctor if they are severe or persistent. Constipation, stomach upset and blurred vision may also occur. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. If facial swelling or difficulty breathing appears, stop the medicine and seek urgent medical help.
Is Norgesic suitable for everyone?
No. You must tell your doctor about glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, ulcers, blockage of the urinary or intestinal tract, enlarged prostate, irregular heart rhythm, and liver, kidney or heart disease. According to the drug directory, the medicine is contraindicated in narrow-angle glaucoma. The final decision always rests with the doctor.
When should you see a doctor and when should you go to the emergency room?
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if pain, tingling, weakness or numbness appears in both legs together, if control of the bladder or bowels changes, or if you lose sensation around the genitals or anus. See a doctor if the pain persists for more than 7 to 10 days despite using Norgesic.
Sources and references
- Orphenadrine: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Back pain — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Back Pain — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.
