Skelaxin

Drug Title

Skelaxin (Metaxalone)

Common use

Skelaxin is indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomforts associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of this drug has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties. Metaxalone does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is one 800 mg tablet three to four times a day.

Drug interaction

The sedative effects of Skelaxin and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive. Therefore, caution should be exercised with patients who take more than one of these CNS depressants simultaneously.

Skelaxin may enhance the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember within 1 hour. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Overdose

Deaths by deliberate or accidental overdose have occurred with metaxalone, particularly in combination with antidepressants, and have been reported with this class of drug in combination with alcohol.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Storage

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

Precautions

It is not known whether this drug is secreted in human milk. As a general rule, nursing should not be undertaken while a patient is on a drug since many drugs are excreted in human milk.

Safety and effectiveness in children 12 years of age and below have not been established.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Contraindications

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to metaxalone, or if you have:

• anemia (a lack of red blood cells);
• severe kidney disease; or
• severe liver disease.

Side effects

• Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and nervousness or irritability;
• nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset, hypersensitivity reaction, rash with or without pruritus;
• leukopenia;
• hemolytic anemia;
• jaundice.