Skelaxin

Skelaxin (Metaxalone)

General information

Skelaxin is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) in the brain. It is used along with rest and physical therapy to decrease muscle pain and spasms associated with strains, sprains or other muscle injuries.

Directions

Take Skelaxin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended starting dose for adults and children age 12 and older is 800 mg, taken three or four times daily. It may be taken with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset.

Precautions

Before taking Skelaxin you should talk with your doctor if you have liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, kidney disease, kidney failure, anemia, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase some of the side effects. Get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. The elderly may be more sensitive to its side effects.

Contraindications

You should not take Skelaxin if you are allergic to it, metaxalone, or any of the inactive components of this medication, or if you have significant kidney or liver disease, anemia. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, drowsiness, dizziness, low fever, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), headache, skin rash, itching, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hives, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: barbiturates (butalbital, phenobarbital, pentobarbital, amobarbital), benzodiazepines (diazepam, clobazam, triazolam, lorazepam, midazolam), narcotic medications (methadone, levomethadyl, morphine). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, unconsciousness.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.