Metaxalone

Generic name: Metaxalone
Brand names: Skelaxin
Dosage form: oral tablet (400 mg; 800 mg)
Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxants

Usage of Metaxalone

Metaxalone is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) in the brain.

Metaxalone is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.

Metaxalone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Metaxalone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Metaxalone may cause serious side effects. Stop using metaxalone and call your doctor at once if you have:

weak or shallow breathing;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness; or

upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of metaxalone may include:

dizziness, drowsiness;

nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;

headache; or

feeling nervous or irritable;

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Metaxalone

You should not use metaxalone if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

anemia (low red blood cells);

severe kidney disease; or

severe liver disease.

To make sure metaxalone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.

It is not known whether metaxalone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether metaxalone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Metaxalone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Metaxalone

Usual Adult Dose for Muscle Spasm:

800 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Muscle Spasm:

12 years or older:800 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day

Warnings

You should not use metaxalone if you have anemia (low red blood cells), or severe kidney or liver disease.

What other drugs will affect Metaxalone

Taking metaxolone with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with metaxalone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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