metaxalone

metaxalone /me·tax·a·lone/ (mĕ-taks´ah-lōn) a skeletal muscle relaxant used in the treatment of painful musculoskeletal conditions.

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metaxalone

[metak′səlōn]

a skeletal muscle relaxant.

indication It is prescribed as an adjunct in the treatment of acute skeletal muscle spasm.

contraindications Significantly impaired renal or hepatic function, susceptibility to drug-induced hemolytic anemia, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the more serious adverse effects are hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, and liver dysfunction. GI disturbances, dizziness, and nervousness may occur.

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relaxant [re-lak´sant]

1. causing relaxation.

2. an agent that causes relaxation.

muscle relaxant an agent that specifically aids in reducing muscle tension.

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metaxalone

Skelaxin

Pharmacologic class: Skeletal muscle relaxant

Therapeutic class: Autonomic agent

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Unclear. Thought to depress CNS.

Availability

Tablets: 400 mg, 800 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions

Adults and children older than age 12: 800 mg P.O. t.i.d. to q.i.d.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components
• Significant renal or hepatic impairment
• History of drug-induced, hemolytic, or other anemias

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• preexisting hepatic damage
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children ages 12 and younger (safety not established).

Administration

• Give with full glass of water, with or without food.
• Know that drug should be used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Unknown	2-4.5 hr	Unknown

Adverse reactions

CNS: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nervousness, irritability

GI: nausea, vomiting, GI upset

Hematologic: leukopenia, hemolytic anemia

Hepatic: jaundice

Skin: rash (with or without pruritus)

Other: hypersensitivity reaction, anaphylactoid reaction

Interactions

Drug-drug. Barbiturates, CNS depressants: enhanced sedative effect

Drug-diagnostic tests. Benedict's tests: false-positive results

Cephalin flocculation tests: elevated results

Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: increased sedation

Patient monitoring

• Monitor liver function tests and CBC with white cell differential.
☞ Watch for severe adverse reactions, such as leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, and anaphylactoid reactions.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient to take with full glass of water, with or without food.
☞ Advise patient to immediately report severe rash, difficulty breathing, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of skin or eyes, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Instruct patient to take missed dose as soon as he remembers. However, if it's almost time for next dose, tell him to skip missed dose and continue with regular dosing schedule.
• Emphasize that drug should be used along with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relieve discomfort.
• Advise patient to use caution while driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Caution female patient not to breastfeed while taking drug.
• Tell patient to avoid alcohol during therapy because it increases drowsiness.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, and behaviors mentioned above.