What is Skelaxin?
Skelaxin, also known as metaxalone, is a skeletal muscle relaxant that is used to treat the symptoms of muscle injuries or pain. The drug is believed to block nerve impulses in the brain that cause pain. Skelaxin can be used in conjunction with physical therapy and rest.
Warnings
Skelaxin should not be used if you suffer from severe kidney or liver diseases or anaemia (low blood red cells). Skelaxin may require a dose adjustment, or you may need to undergo special tests.
Skelaxin may cause side effects that can impair your ability to think or react. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness and vigilance. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause some side effects to be worsened by metaxalone.
Before you take this drug
Skelaxin should not be used if:
- Anaemia (low blood red cells)
- Severe kidney disease
- Severe liver disease
Skelaxin may not be safe for you if you suffer from liver or kidney problems. Tell your doctor about this if you are concerned. This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child.Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.
Metaxalone is not known to pass into breast milk. It's also unknown if it can harm a baby who is nursing. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding. Skelaxin should not be used by anyone under the age of 12.
Similar/related drugs
Cyclobenzaprine, Baclofen, tizanidine, diazepam, methocarbamol, and Soma
How to take Skelaxin?
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take it for longer than necessary.
This medicine may cause unexpected results in certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about your use of this medication. Skelaxin may be part of an overall treatment plan that includes rest, physical therapy, or other measures to relieve pain. Please follow your doctor's advice. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for muscle spasm:
Orally, take 800 mg 3–4 times per day.
Usual paediatric dose for muscle spasm:
>= 12 years: 800 mg, orally, 3 to 4 times per day.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you remember a missed dose, take it immediately. If your next scheduled dosage is close by, skip it. Do not increase dosage to make up for missed ones.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A metaxalone overdose can be fatal.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol and skelaxin can cause dangerous side effects or even death. You can check the labels of your foods and medicines to make sure they do not contain any alcohol.
This medicine can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Older adults may experience more dizziness and drowsiness.
Side effects of Skelaxin
Skelaxin can cause symptoms of an allergic reaction. These include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue.
Skelaxin should be stopped immediately, and you should consult your doctor if:
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Feeling dizzy, as though you could faint.
- If you notice a pale or yellowed complexion, dark urine, a fever, confusion, or weakness, then it is important to consult your doctor.
- Upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice
Skelaxin may cause side effects such as:
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
- Headache
- Feeling nervous or irritable
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Skelaxin can have dangerous or even life-threatening effects when taken with drugs that cause sleepiness or slow breathing. Consult your doctor before you take a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medication, prescription cough medicine, or muscle relaxer.
Metaxalone may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are taking and those you plan to take.
