Skeletal Muscle Relaxants – Guidelines for Using Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
14 August 2007Type of Drug:
Skeletal muscle relaxants.
How the Drug Works:
These drugs indirectly affect nerves that cause muscle tension or spasm. They also have sedative effects on the central nervous system.
Uses:
To relieve muscle discomfort due to strain, sprain or injury. These agents are not a substitute for rest or physical therapy needed for proper healing. Sometimes given in combination with other pain relieving drugs (such as aspirin or acetaminophen).
Diazepam is also used for spasticity caused by upper motor neuron disorders (eg, cerebral palsy, paraplegia); athetosis; stiff-man syndrome.
Methocarbamol and injectable diazepam may have a beneficial effect for tetanus.
Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe these medicines for other conditions. Cyclobenzaprine may be useful as an adjunct in managing fibrositis syndrome; orphenadrine citrate taken at bedtime may be beneficial in treating leg cramps.
Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women, or animal studies may have shown a risk to the fetus. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.
Diazepam - Studies have shown a potential adverse effect on the fetus. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.
Breastfeeding: Carisoprodol appears in breast milk. It is not known if the other skeletal muscle relaxants appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.
Children: Use in children is generally not recommended. Usage may vary. Consult your doctor.
Elderly: In elderly and debilitated patients, it is recommended that dosage of diazepam be limited to the smallest effective amount to guard against development of incoordination and sedation.
Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Tests may include: Urinalysis, blood counts, liver and kidney function tests.
Tartrazine: Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No.5) which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Sulfites: Some of these products contain sulfite preservatives which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals (eg, asthmatics). Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this medicine. alcohol
- Anticholinergic drugs (eg, atropine)
- Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital)
- Narcotic analgesics (eg, codeine)
- Propoxyphene (eg, darvon)
Side Effects:
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include: Because of cyclobenzaprine’s similarity to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), consider all side effects for TCAs listed in the monograph in this chapter.
Allergic Reactions: Rash; itching; redness; hives; asthma attack; eye discomfort; breathing problems; fever.
Digestive Tract: Stomach upset; constipation; indigestion; nausea; vomiting.
Nervous System: Tremor; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nervousne depression; fatigue; sleeplessness; confusion; weakness; slurred speech; irritability; incoordination; paralysis.
Circulatory System: Changes in he Raton; lightheadednoss after standing quickly from a sitting or lying postions; faitinf; abnormal heartbeat; pounding in the cheast ; heart attack; low blood pressure.
Skin: Yellowing of skin or eyes; unusual bleeding or bruising; flushing; hives; rash.
Other: Stuffy nose; sore throat; fever; balance problems; discolored urine; blurred vision; dry mouth; anemia; hiccups; general body discomfort; over stimulation; double vision; rapid eye movement; hallucinations; decreased urination; loss of bladder control; discoloration of urine; temporary vision loss; pupil dilation; increased tension in eyes; sloughing, pain or inflammation at injection site; taste changes.
Guidelines for Use:
- Use exactly as prescribed.
- May cause stomach upset. Take with food.
- If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to “catch up” (unless advised to do so by your doctor). If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
- May cause dry mouth, difficult urination, constipation, headache or stomach upset. Notify your doctor if these effects persist, or if skin rash or itching, yellowing of skin or eyes, fever, nasal congestion, rapid heart rate, palpitations or confusion occurs.
- Orthostatic hypotension – Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur if you stand up too fast from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, get up slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture.
- Chlorzoxazone may discolor urine orange or purplered.
- Methocarbamol may darken urine to brown, black or green.
- These drugs make an injury temporarily feel better. Do not push your recovery. Lifting or exercising too soon may further damage muscles.
- Muscle relaxants are related to tranquilizers. With the exception of diazepam, they are not considered to be addictive. They should not be used to treat other general body pain.
- May cause drowsiness, dizziness or Iightheadedness. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination or physical dexterity.
- Avoid alcohol or other drugs that cause drowsiness during treatment with skeletal muscle relaxants.
- Do not use a larger dose or use more often than prescribed.
- Store at room temperature.
Tagged under:discolored urine, muscle, Muscle Relaxants, nervousne depression, skeltal, sleepleness stomach
