What is metaxalone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Metaxalone is an oral drug that relaxes skeletal muscle the muscles that control movement of the body. It does not act directly on skeletal muscle, and the exact mechanism of action of metaxalone is unknown. Metaxalone relaxes muscles possibly by affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and by causing sedation. Metaxalone was approved by the FDA in 1962.
What brand names are available for metaxalone?
Skelaxin
Do I need a prescription for metaxalone?
Yes
What are the side effects of metaxalone?
The most common side effects with metaxalone are:
- drowsiness,
- dizziness,
- headache,
- nervousness,
- irritability,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- and upset stomach.
Other important, but less common, side effects include:
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
What is the dosage for metaxalone?
Metaxalone usually is taken at a dose of 800 mg, three or four times daily. Benefits are seen within one hour of ingestion. Food high in fat content increases the absorption of metaxalone.
Which drugs or supplements interact with metaxalone?
No important drug interactions have been described with metaxalone. Metaxalone may increase the sedative effects of alcohol and drugs that cause sedation, for example, benzodiazepines (Valium), antidepressants, opioids (morphine).
Is metaxalone safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
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.
Summary
Metaxalone (Skelaxin) is a drug that relaxes the skeletal muscle. The exact mechanism of action of metaxalone is unknown. Mexalone is prescribed as an adjunct to physical therapy for the treatment of short-term painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Side effects, drug interactions, dosing, and pregnancy information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
Related Disease Conditions
-
Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps are involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscles that do not relax. Extremely common, any muscles that have...
-
Pain Management
Pain management and treatment can be simple or complex, according to its cause. There are two basic types of pain, nociceptive...
-
Sprains and Strains
An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be...
-
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain (an unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period of time. In contrast to...
-
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is muscle pain in the body's soft tissues due to injury or strain. Symptoms include muscle pain with...
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Medication Disposal
- Dangers of Mixing Medications
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- How To Reduce Your Medication Costs
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
Daily Health News
More Health News »Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information
