Skelaxin
Skelaxin Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Skelaxin is a brand name. Its generic name is Metaxalone.
Skelaxin Introduction
Skelaxin is a muscle relaxant medication, most commonly used to treat muscle spasms and muscle pain from disorders including sciatica, fibrositis, bursitis, and strain issues. It is available both by prescription and over-the-counter in many different countries.
Uses For
Skelaxin is primarily used for the temporary relief of muscular pain and spasms caused by strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal conditions. It is used by both adults and children, and is taken orally with or without food.
Mechanism of Action
Skelaxin works by depressing the central nervous system, thereby suppressing the transmission of signals between the brain and skeletal muscle. This helps to relax the skeletal muscles, which can reduce pain and discomfort.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Skelaxin typically begins to work within 1 to 4 hours after taking it; however, the drug's full effects may take longer to be felt. It is important that Skelaxin is taken as prescribed by your doctor.
Absorption
Skelaxin is rapidly and completely absorbed following oral administration, with peak drug levels occurring within 1 to 3 hours. It has a high bioavailability of greater than 80%.
Route of Elimination
Skelaxin is eliminated primarily via urine, although some of it is also eliminated in the feces. The drug has an elimination half-life of approximately 4.6 hours.
Dosage
Skelaxin is available in tablet and capsule form in a range of doses, including 400 mg and 800 mg. The dosage and method of taking the medication should be determined by a doctor. The common dose for adult patients is usually 1 or 2 tablets of 400 mg, taken 3 or 4 times a day, with a maximum dose of 1200 mg/day. The dose for pediatric patients is usually lower, and should be determined by a doctor.
Administration
Skelaxin can be taken orally, with or without food. The drug is absorbed quickly in the gastrointestinal tract and does not require any specific preparation. As with any medication, it is important to take Skelaxin as prescribed by your doctor.
Side-Effects
The most common side effects of Skelaxin include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, and dry mouth. Other side effects may also occur. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Toxicity
Skelaxin is generally well-tolerated when taken as prescribed. The drug has an LD50 (lethal dose in 50% of the subjects) of approximately 10,000 mg/kg in rats. Overdoses of Skelaxin can result in severe side effects, such as confusion, drowsiness, seizures, coma, and even death.
Precautions
- Patients with a history of liver, kidney, or heart disease should use Skelaxin with caution, and consult a doctor before taking it.
- Patients who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before taking Skelaxin.
- Patients with a known hypersensitivity to Skelaxin should not take it.
- Skelaxin should not be taken in combination with alcohol, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Skelaxin should not be taken by anyone who has taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, as they can interact with each other.
- Patients taking Skelaxin should use caution when driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities that require alertness.
Interactions
Skelaxin can interact with other medications, including other muscle relaxants, sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotics, and certain antidepressants. It is important to discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor before taking Skelaxin.
Disease Interaction
Skelaxin should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease, congestive heart failure, seizure disorders, difficulty urinating, and low blood volume, as these conditions can increase the risk of side effects.
Drug Interaction
Skelaxin can interact with certain medications, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and narcotics. Certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, can also interact with Skelaxin. It is important to discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor before taking Skelaxin.
Food Interactions
Skelaxin should be taken with food or a full glass of water to reduce the risk of stomach upset. Alcohol, caffeine, and grapefruit juice can also interact with Skelaxin, and should be avoided.
Pregnancy Use
It is not recommended for pregnant women to take Skelaxin, as it has been categorized as a pregnancy risk category C medication. It is possible that the drug can cause harm to developing fetuses, and therefore should be avoided.
Lactation Use
It is not known if Skelaxin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. It is recommended that women who are breastfeeding avoid taking Skelaxin.
Acute Overdose
An overdose of Skelaxin can be fatal. If an overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or go to the emergency room immediately. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, drowsiness, seizures, coma, and cardiovascular collapse.
Contraindication
Skelaxin should not be taken by patients who have a known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its ingredients. It should also not be taken with alcohol, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Use Direction
Skelaxin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage and method of taking the medication should be determined by a doctor. It should be taken with food or a full glass of water to reduce the risk of stomach upset. Do not take more than the recommended dose, as it can result in an overdose.
Storage Condition
Skelaxin should be stored at room temperature and away from light and moisture. Make sure to keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Skelaxin is approximately 5.7 L/kg.
Half Life
Skelaxin has a half-life of approximately 4.6 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of Skelaxin is approximately 13.7 ml/min/kg.
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