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Metaxalone
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Overdosage/Toxicology
Drug Interactions
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Usual Dosage
Test Interactions
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Patient Information
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(me TAKS a lone)

U.S. Brand Names
Skelaxin®

Generic Available

No


Pharmacological Index

Skeletal Muscle Relaxant


Use

Relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Contraindications

Impaired hepatic or renal function, known hypersensitivity to metaxalone, history of drug-induced hemolytic anemias or other anemias


Warnings/Precautions

Use with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function


Adverse Reactions

>10%:

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps

Central nervous system: Paradoxical stimulation, headache, drowsiness, dizziness

<1%:

Dermatologic: Allergic dermatitis

Hematologic: Leukopenia, hemolytic anemia

Hepatic: Hepatotoxicity

Miscellaneous: Anaphylaxis


Overdosage/Toxicology

Signs and symptoms: No major toxicities have been reported


Drug Interactions

Increased effect of alcohol, CNS depressants


Mechanism of Action

Does not have a direct effect on skeletal muscle; most of its therapeutic effect comes from actions on the central nervous system


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset of action: ~1 hour

Duration: ~4-6 hours

Half-life: 2-3 hours

Elimination: In urine as metabolites


Usual Dosage

Children >12 years and Adults: Oral: 800 mg 3-4 times/day


Test Interactions

False-positive Benedict's test


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

Drowsiness and dizziness are common; may cause paradoxical stimulation


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

May cause leukopenia; use caution with clozapine and carbamazepine; concurrent use with psychotropics may produce additive sedation


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No effects or complications reported


Patient Information

Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants; may cause drowsiness, impairment of judgment, or coordination; notify physician of dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of eyes, severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain


Nursing Implications

Raise bed rails, institute safety measures, assist with ambulation


Dosage Forms

Tablet: 400 mg


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