AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question I want to know about Metaxalone which has been prescribed to mu uncle for shoulder pain, stiff neck and lower back pain. It is conbined with dicofenic k. Can you tell me about it.
Answer Dear Mana
Metaxolone is a skeletal muscle relaxant ie it causes relaxation of muscles when spasms are occurring unnaturally. It does this by acting on the brain and/or spinal cord slowing doing excessive muscle excitation.
There are no problems reported with metaxolone and diclofenac.
Below is a patient education leaflet on this drug.
Patient Education
METAXALONE - ORAL
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
METAXALONE - ORAL
(me-TAX-a-lone)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Skelaxin
USES:
This medication relaxes muscles. It is used along with rest and physical therapy to decrease muscle pain and spasms associated with strains, sprains or other muscle injuries.
HOW TO USE:
Take this medication by mouth usually 3 or 4 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. If you take this medication after a high-fat meal and experience side effects, it may be best to take this drug on an empty stomach or after a light meal.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed because the risk of side effects may increase.
This medication is intended for short-term use, usually no longer than 3 weeks, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If your condition does not improve in 2-3 weeks, contact your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, lightheadedness, dizziness or drowsiness may occur during the first few days as your body adjusts to this medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever), yellowing eyes or skin, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat, trouble urinating, worsening of seizures.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking metaxalone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe liver disease, severe kidney disease, history of low blood cell counts (e.g., hemolytic anemia, other anemias) due to a drug reaction.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, seizures, severe difficulty urinating (urinary retention).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Alcohol may enhance dizziness or drowsiness. Limit alcohol.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness and drowsiness.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclic anti-depressants such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers.
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
This medication may cause false positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products (cupric sulfate-type). Make sure laboratory personnel and the doctors know you use this drug.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness or unconsciousness.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
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.
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.
