What is Skelaxin and how does it work. How should Skelaxin be taken. What are the potential side effects of Skelaxin. Who should not take Skelaxin. How does Skelaxin interact with other medications. What precautions should be taken when using Skelaxin. How should Skelaxin be stored and disposed of.

Understanding Skelaxin: A Powerful Muscle Relaxant

Skelaxin, also known by its generic name metaxalone, is a prescription medication primarily used as a muscle relaxant. It belongs to a class of drugs called skeletal muscle relaxants and is commonly prescribed to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with acute musculoskeletal conditions.

How does Skelaxin work? The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by depressing the central nervous system, particularly at the level of the spinal cord and subcortical areas of the brain. This action helps to reduce muscle spasms and associated pain without causing complete paralysis of the affected muscles.

Key Features of Skelaxin

• Generic Name: Metaxalone
• Drug Class: Skeletal muscle relaxant
• Available Forms: Oral tablets
• Prescription Required: Yes
• FDA Approved: 1962

Indications and Uses of Skelaxin

Skelaxin is primarily prescribed for the treatment of acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions often involve muscle spasms, which can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility.

When is Skelaxin typically prescribed? Healthcare providers may recommend Skelaxin for:

• Muscle strains and sprains
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Fibromyalgia-related muscle pain
• Tension headaches associated with muscle tension

Is Skelaxin used as a standalone treatment? While Skelaxin can be effective on its own, it is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan may include rest, physical therapy, and other pain management strategies to provide optimal relief and promote healing.

Proper Dosage and Administration of Skelaxin

The correct dosage of Skelaxin can vary depending on the individual patient and the specific condition being treated. It’s crucial to follow the prescribing physician’s instructions carefully.

Standard Dosing Guidelines

• Typical adult dosage: 800 mg 3-4 times daily
• Maximum daily dose: 3200 mg
• Duration of treatment: Usually 2-3 weeks, or as directed by a healthcare provider

How should Skelaxin be taken? Skelaxin tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. They can be taken with or without food, but taking them with food may help reduce the risk of stomach upset.

Can the dosage be adjusted? The dosage may be adjusted based on the patient’s response to the medication and the severity of their condition. Any changes to the dosage should only be made under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Potential Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Like all medications, Skelaxin can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences these side effects, it’s important to be aware of them and report any concerning symptoms to a healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Irritability or nervousness

Serious Side Effects

While rare, some patients may experience more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention:

• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Signs of liver problems (persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine)

Is there a risk of dependence with Skelaxin? Unlike some other muscle relaxants, Skelaxin is not considered habit-forming. However, it should still be used only as prescribed and for the shortest duration necessary to alleviate symptoms.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Skelaxin can interact with various medications and substances, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

Notable Drug Interactions

• MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine)
• Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans)
• CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids)
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin)
• Antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole)

How can drug interactions be managed? Your healthcare provider may need to adjust dosages, monitor you more closely, or choose alternative medications to avoid potential interactions. Never start or stop any medication without consulting your doctor.

Special Precautions

Certain individuals may need to use Skelaxin with caution or avoid it altogether:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Individuals with liver or kidney disease
• People with a history of drug abuse or addiction
• Elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to the drug’s effects
• Individuals with certain genetic enzyme deficiencies

Proper Storage and Disposal of Skelaxin

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

Storage Guidelines

• Store at room temperature (between 68째F to 77째F or 20째C to 25째C)
• Keep away from moisture and direct light
• Store in the original container with the lid tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

Disposal Instructions

How should unused or expired Skelaxin be disposed of? The FDA recommends the following steps:

1. Remove the medication from its original container and mix it with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter.
2. Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag or container to prevent the drug from leaking.
3. Throw the container in your household trash.
4. Remove or scratch out all personal information on the empty medication container before disposing of it.

Can Skelaxin be flushed down the toilet? Generally, it’s not recommended to flush medications down the toilet unless specifically instructed to do so. This practice can contaminate water supplies and harm aquatic life.

Overdose Risk and Emergency Situations

While Skelaxin is generally considered safe when used as prescribed, an overdose can occur, particularly if it’s taken in large quantities or combined with other CNS depressants.

Symptoms of Overdose

• Severe drowsiness or dizziness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness

What should you do in case of an overdose? If you suspect an overdose of Skelaxin, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Call your local poison control center or emergency room right away.

Emergency Preparedness

To be prepared for potential emergencies:

• Keep the number of your local poison control center easily accessible
• Inform family members or roommates about your medication regimen
• Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet if you’re on multiple medications

Patient Education and Counseling Points

Proper education and counseling can significantly improve the safe and effective use of Skelaxin. Healthcare providers should discuss the following points with patients:

Key Counseling Points

• The importance of taking Skelaxin exactly as prescribed
• Potential side effects and when to seek medical attention
• The need to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking Skelaxin
• The importance of informing all healthcare providers about Skelaxin use
• The need for caution when driving or operating machinery, as Skelaxin can cause drowsiness

How can patients ensure they’re using Skelaxin safely? Patients should keep a medication log, including all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any supplements they’re taking. This log should be shared with all healthcare providers to prevent potential drug interactions.

Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to medication, patients should be counseled on lifestyle modifications that can support their treatment:

• Proper posture and body mechanics
• Stress reduction techniques
• Regular, gentle exercise as approved by their healthcare provider
• Use of heat or cold therapy for muscle pain
• Adequate rest and sleep

Skelaxin, when used appropriately and in conjunction with other treatment modalities, can be an effective tool in managing acute musculoskeletal pain. However, it’s crucial for patients to understand the medication’s proper use, potential risks, and the importance of open communication with their healthcare providers. By following these guidelines and maintaining a collaborative relationship with their medical team, patients can maximize the benefits of Skelaxin while minimizing potential risks.

Skelaxin 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 lab tests (such as certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Skelaxin interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

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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Skelaxin Tablet English – Product

Skelaxin Tablet English – Product – TabletWise.com

About Us

• About Us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of use

• Overview
• Benefits
• Side effects
• Precautions
• Interactions
• Contraindications

Overview

Skelaxin Tablet is used for Relieving muscle spasms, Used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy, Muscle relaxation and other conditions.

Skelaxin Tablet contains Metaxalone as an active ingredient. Available in tablet form.

Detailed information regarding the use, composition, dosage, side effects of Skelaxin Tablet, as well as user reviews are provided below:

Uses

Skelaxin Tablet is used for the treatment, control, prevention, & improvement of the following diseases, conditions and symptoms:

• Relieve muscle spasms
• Used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy
• Muscle relaxation

Learn more : Benefits

Side effects

The following is a list of possible side-effects that may occur from all constituents of Skelaxin Tablet. This list is not final. These side effects have been recorded previously, but are not always recorded when using the drug. Some of these side effects may be extremely rare, but have incredibly severe consequences. If you notice any side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Especially in the case of observing side effects for a long time.

• Nausea
• Jaundice
• Acute and severe allergic reactions
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Hemolytic anemia
• Indigestion
• Allergic rejection
• Dizziness
• Nervousness or irritability
• Less white blood cells with or without itching
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

If you experience side effects not listed above, contact your healthcare provider for advice. In addition, you can report side effects to your local Food and Drug Administration.

Precautions

Before starting this drug, tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, dietary supplements (such as vitamins, natural supplements, etc.), allergies, existing medical conditions, and current health conditions (such as pregnancy, upcoming surgery, and etc. ). The side effects of the drug may be more pronounced depending on the state of your body. Take this medicine as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions for use that come with your medicine. The dosage of the drug depends on your condition. Tell your doctor if there is no change or if your condition worsens. Important points to discuss with your healthcare provider are listed below.

• Do not take with food
• Pre-existing liver damage

If you use other drugs or over the counter products at the same time, the effects of Skelaxin Tablet may change. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you use. Your doctor will be able to make the right plan for taking the drug, which will avoid negative interactions. Skelaxin Tablet may interact with the following drugs and products:

• Acetaminophen
• Aspirin
• Buprenorphine
• Caffeine
• Juxtapid
• Kynamro
• Leflunomide 90 008
• Lomitapide
• Mipomersen
• Naloxone

Hypersensitivity to Skelaxin Tablet is a contraindication. In addition, Skelaxin Tablet should not be used if you have the following conditions:

• Drug-induced hemolytic anemia or other
• Impaired renal and hepatic function
• hypersensitivity

Composition and active ingredients

Skelaxin Tablet contains the following active ingredients (salts)

90 005

Please note attention to the fact that this drug is available with different strengths of intensity for each of the active ingredients listed above.

Packing options and strengths

Skelaxin Tablet is available in the following pack sizes and strengths

Skelaxin Tablet packs are available: 400MG, 800MG

FAQ

900 06

Can Skelaxin tablets / Skelaxin Tablet is used to relieve muscle spasms and is used along with rest and physical therapy?

Yes, relieve muscle spasms and used along with rest and physical therapy are among the most common reported uses for Skelaxin Tablet. Please do not use Skelaxin Tablet to relieve muscle spasms and is used along with other and physical therapy without consulting first with your doctor. Click here and view survey results to find out what other patients report as common uses of Skelaxin Tablet.

• Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery while using this product?

  If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension or a headache as side-effects when using Skelaxin Tablet medicine then it may not be safe to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery. You should stop driving if taking this medicine makes you drowsy, dizzy, or hypotensive. Doctors recommend that you stop drinking alcohol with such drugs, because. alcohol greatly increases the side effects and drowsiness. Please check for these effects on your body when using Skelaxin Tablet. Be sure to consult your doctor for advice based on the characteristics of your body and general health.

• Is this drug (product) addictive or addictive?

  Most drugs are not habit-forming or addictive. In most cases, the state classifies drugs that can be addictive as controlled dispensing drugs. For example, schedule H or X in India and schedule II-V in the USA. Please check the information on the drug packaging to make sure that this drug is not in the controlled category. Also, do not self-medicate or accustom your body to medications without consulting your doctor.

• Can I stop using this product immediately or do I need to slowly stop using it?

  Some medications need to be stopped gradually due to a rebound effect. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider for advice based on your body, general health, and other medications you may be taking.

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Skelaxin vs Flexeril: Differences, Similarities & What’s Best for You – Drug Vs. Friend

Home >> Drug Vs. Friend >> Skelaxin vs Flexeril: Differences, Similarities & Which is Best for You

Drug Vs. Friend

Drug Overview and Key Differences | Conditions of treatment | Efficiency | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug Interactions | Warnings | FAQ

Have you ever had a back thrust, injury or sprain where you feel like your muscles are twitching and becoming so tight that you can’t move? In this case, your doctor may have prescribed a muscle relaxant to help relieve your symptoms.

Skelaxin and Flexeril are two FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of muscle spasms. They are in a group of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants. Skelaxin and Flexeril are most often prescribed as their analogues, metaxalone and cyclobenzaprine. How they work is not fully understood, but may be associated with central nervous system (CNS) depression and sedative effects. These medicines do not act directly on muscles or nerves.

Although both drugs are muscle relaxants, they are not exactly the same. Continue reading below to learn more about Skelaxin and Flexeril.

What are the main differences between Skelaxin and Flexeril?

Skelaxin is a skeletal muscle relaxant containing metaxalone. It is available as brand name tablets and generic tablets. Skelaxin is used for short-term treatment.

Flexeril is also a skeletal muscle relaxant – the active ingredient is cyclobenzaprine. Flexeril is no longer sold as a branded product. Flexeril is only available as generic cyclobenzaprine. Cyclobenzaprine is also available in an extended release form under the brand name Amrix. Flexeril is used for short-term treatment – according to the manufacturer, Flexeril should not be taken for more than two to three weeks.

Main differences between Skelaxin and Flexeril
	Skelaxin	Flexeril
Drug class	Skeletal muscle relaxant	Skeletal muscle relaxant
Brand / generic status	Brand and generic	Flexeril: available only in generic form. Amrix: Available in branded and generic 9 variants0298
What is the common name?	Metaxalone	Cyclobenzaprine
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Tablet	Tablet, extended release capsule (brand name Amrix)
What is the standard dosage?	The recommended dose is one (800 mg) tablet or two (400 mg) tablets 3-4 times a day.	The recommended dose is one tablet (5 mg or 10 mg) 3 times a day. Or One tablet (5mg, 7.5mg or 10mg) at bedtime (less frequent dosing for patients with liver problems or elderly patients)
How long does typical treatment last?	Temporary	Short term (not recommended for more than 2-3 weeks)
Who usually takes this medicine?	Adults and children over 12 years old	Adults and children 15 years of age and older

Conditions treated with skelaxin and flexeril

Skelaxin and flexeril are indicated for use with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relieve discomfort in acute conditions musculoskeletal system, such as acute back or neck pain.

Both drugs can be prescribed off-label for other conditions, but are mainly used for muscle spasms. Also, the manufacturer’s information Flexeril states that the drug is not effective for spasticity associated with a disease of the brain or spinal cord, or in children with cerebral palsy.

902 No prescribed

Are Skelaxin or Flexeril more effective?

An American family physician states that there is weak (and very little) evidence in terms of muscle relaxants and how effective they are compared to each other. They recommend that potential side effects, drug interactions, abuse, and patient preference be taken into account when choosing a muscle relaxant. This publication also confirms the importance of short-term use of muscle relaxants and the need for physiotherapy and other measures to prevent long-term use of muscle relaxants. Other medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may also be used.

Your healthcare provider can determine if skelaxin or flexeril is right for you. He or she will review your symptoms, medical conditions, medical history, and any medications you are taking that may interact with skelaxin or flexeril.

Coverage and Cost Comparison of Skelaxin and Flexeril

Most insurance plans usually cover Skelaxin in its generic form of metaxalone. Medicare Part D coverage varies. A regular prescription for generic skelaxin will cost $147 out of pocket, but you can use a SingleCare coupon to bring the price down to under $50.

Most health plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Flexeril (generic). Branded Flexeril is not available. A regular prescription for generic Flexeril will cost about $20 out of pocket, but with SingleCare you can get generic Flexeril for about $7-8 at participating pharmacies.