From the Research
Norgesic is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18 years of age due to the risk of Reye's syndrome associated with aspirin use in this age group. The medication, which contains orphenadrine citrate and aspirin, is typically prescribed for adults aged 18 and older, with caution recommended for elderly patients over 65 who may require lower doses due to increased sensitivity to side effects 1.
Age Restrictions and Safety Considerations
The age restrictions for Norgesic reflect the need to balance therapeutic benefits against potential risks, with particular attention to the developing systems of younger patients and the potentially reduced drug metabolism in older adults.
- Elderly patients should be monitored more closely when taking Norgesic as they may experience more pronounced anticholinergic effects such as confusion, urinary retention, or constipation.
- Patients with kidney or liver impairment may need dosage adjustments regardless of age.
- The risk of Reye's syndrome, a serious and potentially fatal condition, is a significant concern in children and adolescents under 18 years of age who take aspirin, as evidenced by studies suggesting a causal link between aspirin use and Reye's syndrome in this age group 1, 2.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
The most recent and highest quality study on this topic, published in 2006, suggests a close link between Reye's syndrome and aspirin use in children and teenagers under 18 years of age 1. This study provides strong evidence for a causal relationship between aspirin use and Reye's syndrome, and supports the recommendation to avoid using Norgesic in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.