Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

GENERIC NAME: metaxalone

BRAND NAME: Skelaxin

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.