Metaxalone
Indications
Metaxalone is used for:
Painful muscle spasm associated with musculoskeletal conditions
Adult Dose
Oral
Painful muscle spasm associated with musculoskeletal conditions
Adult: As an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and analgesics to relieve discomfort: 800 mg 3-4 times daily.
Child Dose
Oral
Painful muscle spasm associated with musculoskeletal conditions
Child: >12 yr: 800 mg 3-4 times daily.
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Patient with history of drug-induced, haemolytic or other anaemias; significantly impaired renal or hepatic function.
Precautions
Pregnancy; lactation; mild to moderate renal and hepatic impairment. Monitor liver function periodically during treatment. May cause CNS depression and impair mental and/or physical ability; caution when driving or operating machinery. Metaxalone is poorly tolerated by geriatric patient. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children 12 yr of age and below.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Concurrent use of Metaxalone with alcohol and other CNS depressants e.g. benzodiazepines, opioids, and tricyclic antidepressants may enhance sedative effects of both drugs.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Metaxalone :
Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, GI upset, rash with/without pruritus, hypersensitivity reaction, nervousness/irritability, leukopenia, haemolytic anaemia, and jaundice.
Potentially Fatal: Anaphylactoid reactions.
Mechanism of Action
Metaxalone is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant. The precise mechanism of action in humans is not known. Its effect may be associated with general CNS depression. Unlike neuromuscular blocking agents, Metaxalone does not have direct effect on the contractile mechanism of striated muscle, the motor end plate or the nerve fiber.