Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Metaxalone relaxes muscles possibly by
affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The exact
mechanism of action of metaxalone is unknown. Metaxalone was approved by the FDA
in 1962.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 400 and 800 mg.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15-30°C
(59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Metaxalone is used as an adjunct to physical therapy
during treatment of short-term, painful muscle spasms.
DOSING: Metaxalone usually is taken at a dose of 800 mg, three or four
times daily. Benefits are seen within one hour of ingestion.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: No important drug interactions have been described
with metaxalone. Metaxalone may increase the sedative effects of alcohol and
drugs that cause sedation.
PREGNANCY: Metaxalone has not been adequately studied in pregnant
women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether metaxalone is excreted in
breast milk. Safety for use in the nursing mother has not been established.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects with metaxalone are
drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nervousness, irritability, nausea, vomiting,
and upset stomach. Less commonly, rash, anemia, low white blood cell count, and
jaundice occur.
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