What is metaxalone used for. How should metaxalone be taken. What are the potential side effects of metaxalone. Who should avoid taking metaxalone. How to store and dispose of metaxalone safely.

Understanding Metaxalone: A Muscle Relaxant Medication

Metaxalone is a prescription medication primarily used as a muscle relaxant. It belongs to a class of drugs known as skeletal muscle relaxants and is commonly prescribed to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with acute musculoskeletal conditions. The drug works by affecting the central nervous system to reduce muscle spasms and promote relaxation.

Key Features of Metaxalone:

• Generic name: Metaxalone
• Brand name: Skelaxin
• Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxant
• Available form: Oral tablets (usually 800mg strength)

Medical Uses and Indications for Metaxalone

Metaxalone is primarily prescribed for the treatment of acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. It is often used in combination with rest, physical therapy, and other supportive measures to provide relief from muscle pain and discomfort.

Common Conditions Treated with Metaxalone:

• Muscle strains
• Sprains
• Other acute muscle injuries

Is metaxalone used for chronic pain conditions. While metaxalone is primarily indicated for acute musculoskeletal pain, it is generally not recommended for long-term use in chronic pain conditions. The medication is most effective when used for short periods in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions.

Proper Dosage and Administration of Metaxalone

Metaxalone is typically available as an 800mg tablet and is usually taken orally three to four times daily. The exact dosage and frequency may vary depending on the individual patient’s condition and response to the medication.

General Dosing Guidelines:

1. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully
2. Take the medication exactly as prescribed
3. Do not exceed the recommended dose
4. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual effects

Can metaxalone be taken with or without food. Metaxalone can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce the risk of stomach upset. It’s important to maintain a consistent routine when taking this medication to ensure optimal effectiveness.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Metaxalone

Like all medications, metaxalone can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences adverse reactions, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks and to report any concerning symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nervousness

Serious Side Effects (Rare but Require Immediate Medical Attention):

• Agitation or hallucinations
• Rapid heart rate
• High body temperature
• Muscle twitching or loss of muscle control
• Severe gastrointestinal symptoms
• Skin rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Extreme fatigue
• Seizures

How can patients minimize the risk of side effects when taking metaxalone. To reduce the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects, patients should:
1. Take the medication exactly as prescribed
2. Avoid alcohol consumption while on metaxalone
3. Refrain from operating heavy machinery or driving until the effects of the drug are known
4. Report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly

Important Precautions and Contraindications for Metaxalone Use

Before starting metaxalone therapy, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history and any current medications or supplements you’re taking. This information helps prevent potential drug interactions and ensures the safe use of metaxalone.

Patients Should Inform Their Doctor If They Have:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• History of seizures
• Blood disorders
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding status

Are there specific populations that should use caution with metaxalone. Yes, certain groups should exercise extra caution when considering metaxalone use:
1. Older adults (65 years and above): May be more susceptible to side effects
2. Patients with liver or kidney impairment: May require dosage adjustments
3. Individuals with a history of substance abuse: Potential for misuse should be considered
4. Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Safety not fully established, risks should be weighed against benefits

Drug Interactions and Considerations with Metaxalone

Metaxalone can interact with various medications and substances, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It’s crucial to provide a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbal products to your healthcare provider before starting metaxalone therapy.

Potential Interactions to Be Aware Of:

• Central nervous system depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids)
• Alcohol
• Certain antidepressants
• Some antibiotics
• Medications that affect liver enzymes

How does alcohol consumption affect metaxalone use. Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative effects of metaxalone, leading to excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. It’s strongly advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication to prevent potentially dangerous interactions.

Proper Storage and Disposal of Metaxalone

Proper storage and disposal of metaxalone are essential to maintain its effectiveness and prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.

Storage Guidelines:

• Keep in the original container, tightly closed
• Store at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not store in the bathroom

Safe Disposal Methods:

1. Utilize medicine take-back programs when available
2. Follow FDA guidelines for safe medication disposal
3. Do not flush metaxalone down the toilet unless specifically instructed to do so
4. Mix unused medication with an unpalatable substance (e.g., used coffee grounds) before disposing in household trash

Why is proper disposal of metaxalone important. Proper disposal of metaxalone helps prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets, reduces the risk of medication misuse, and minimizes environmental contamination. Following recommended disposal methods ensures that unused or expired medication is safely eliminated from the household.

Recognizing and Responding to Metaxalone Overdose

While metaxalone overdose is relatively rare when taken as prescribed, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of overdose and know how to respond in such situations.

Potential Signs of Metaxalone Overdose:

• Severe drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Extreme confusion or agitation
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure

What should be done in case of suspected metaxalone overdose. If an overdose is suspected:
1. Call emergency services immediately (911 in the US)
2. Contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance
3. Provide information about the amount ingested and the person’s condition
4. Follow instructions given by medical professionals
5. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed to do so by a healthcare provider

Metaxalone, when used as prescribed, can be an effective tool in managing acute musculoskeletal pain. However, it’s essential to adhere to proper usage guidelines, be aware of potential side effects and interactions, and follow safe storage and disposal practices. By understanding these aspects of metaxalone use, patients can maximize the benefits of this medication while minimizing potential risks. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding metaxalone or any other medication regimen.

Metaxalone: MedlinePlus Drug Information

pronounced as (me tax’ a lone)

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Metaxalone, a muscle relaxant, is used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.

Metaxalone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metaxalone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking metaxalone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metaxalone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in metaxalone tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking metaxolone. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, or a blood disorder.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking metaxalone, call your doctor immediately.
• talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking metaxalone if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take metaxalone because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how metaxalone affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Metaxalone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• headache
• nervousness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• agitation, hallucinations, coma
• fast heart rate, high body temperature
• muscle twitching, loss of muscle control
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• severe skin rash
• difficulty breathing
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• seizures

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www. fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

• Skelaxin^®

Last Revised – 07/15/2022

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Metaxalone Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: diet pills/appetite suppressants (such as diethylpropion), drugs for attention deficit disorder (such as atomoxetine, methylphenidate), apraclonidine, bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, cyclobenzaprine, deutetrabenazine, a certain combination product (dextromethorphan/quinidine), levodopa, maprotiline, methyldopa, metoclopramide, certain opioid pain relievers (such as fentanyl, meperidine, methadone, tapentadol), certain drugs for Parkinson’s disease (such as entacapone, tolcapone), certain supplements (such as tryptophan, tyramine), tetrabenazine, tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, doxepin), valbenazine.

The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/”ecstasy,” St. John’s wort, certain antidepressants (including mirtazapine, SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tramadol, certain “triptans” used to treat migraine headaches (such as rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.

Some products can interact with metaxalone if you take them together, or even if you take them weeks before or after taking metaxalone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take anything in the list of products that may interact with this drug, or any of the products that increase serotonin, within 2 weeks before or after taking metaxalone. Also tell them if you have taken fluoxetine within 5 weeks before starting metaxalone. Ask your doctor how much time to wait between starting or stopping any of these drugs and starting metaxalone.

Taking other MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Do not take any other MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.

Before using metaxalone, report the use of drugs that may increase the risk of extremely high blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) when combined with metaxalone, including herbal products (such as ephedra/ma huang), nasal decongestants (such as phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine), and stimulants (such as amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine, phenylalanine). Metaxalone should not be used with any of these medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Metaxalone interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Metaxalone – instructions for use

Metaxalone

Instruction:

• Pharmacological action
• Pharmacokinetics
• Readings
• Contraindications
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Pediatric use
• Use in elderly patients
• Dosage and Administration
• Side effects
• Precautions
• Transport management
• Classification

Pharmacological action

Metaxalone is a central muscle relaxant. The mechanism of action is not fully understood, presumably associated with a general depression of the central nervous system.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Maximum plasma concentration (C _max ) – 296 mcg / ml. Time to reach maximum plasma concentration (TC _max ) – 3 hours.

Onset within 1 hour, duration 4-6 hours.

Distribution

Distribution volume (V _d ) – 800 l.

Metabolism

Biotransformed in the liver.

Elimination

Half-life (T _½ ) – 4-14 hours. About Excreted in the urine.

Indications

Painful muscle spasm in diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity; drug hemolytic anemia in history; significant renal/liver failure.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use in pregnancy

FDA fetal category C.

Adequate and well-controlled clinical studies of the safety of metaxalone during pregnancy have not been conducted. It is not known whether the drug has immediate or delayed adverse effects on the fetus.

Animal studies showed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus.

The use of metaxalone in pregnant women is contraindicated.

Use during breastfeeding

Special studies on the safety of the use of metaxalone during breastfeeding have not been conducted.

It is not known whether metaxalone is excreted in breast milk. A risk to the infant cannot be ruled out.

If necessary, the use of the drug during lactation should stop breastfeeding.

Pediatric use

Safety and efficacy in children under 12 years of age have not been established.

Use in elderly patients

Worse tolerated in elderly patients.

Dosage and Administration

Children over 12 years of age and adults: Orally, 800 mg 3-4 times a day.

Side effects

The frequency of occurrence of adverse reactions has not been determined: gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, nervousness, hemolytic anemia (rare), leukopenia (rare), jaundice (rare), hypersensitivity (rare) ).

Precautions

CNS depression may occur

Increased sedation may occur when combined with other sedatives.

Bioavailability may be increased in women.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and control mechanisms

Due to the fact that metaxalone can cause dizziness and drowsiness, it is necessary to refrain from driving vehicles and engaging in activities that require increased concentration of attention and speed of psychomotor reactions.

Classification

• Pharmacological group

  n-anticholinergics (muscle relaxants)

• FDA pregnancy category

  C
  (risk not excluded)

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Information about the active substance Metaxalone is intended for medical and pharmaceutical professionals, for reference purposes only.