Equagesic

Equagesic /ˌɛkwəˈdʒiːzɪk/ is a combination drug indicated for short-term pain treatment accompanied by tension or anxiety in patients with musculoskeletal disorders or tension headache.

Composition

It combines^[1]

• aspirin 325 mg (for pain relief) and
• meprobamate 200 mg (used here as a muscle relaxant).
• In some formulations,^[2] it is also quoted to contain ethoheptazine, an opioid analgesic.

Problems

Equagesic was discontinued in the United States, possibly because of its toxic profile and more adequate drugs available. Specifically, meprobamate is more toxic than benzodiazepines, which are also useful as a muscle relaxant.

Martial artist Bruce Lee died of cerebral edema caused by an allergic reaction to Equagesic, according to the coroner examination. He died on 20 July 1973 in Hong Kong.

References