Skelaxin

Generic name: Metaxalone
Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxants

Usage of Skelaxin

Skelaxin (metaxalone) is from the class of medicines called skeletal muscle relaxant and is used to treat symptoms of skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury. It is thought to work by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) in the brain. Skelaxin is used together with rest and physical therapy.

Skelaxin side effects

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

Stop using Skelaxin 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 Skelaxin side effects 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 Skelaxin

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

anemia (low red blood cells);

severe kidney disease; or

severe liver disease.

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

It is not known whether this medicine 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.

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

Relate drugs

How to use Skelaxin

Usual Adult Dose for Muscle Spasm:

800 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Muscle Spasm:

>= 12 years: 800 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day.

Warnings

You should not use Skelaxin if you have anemia (low red blood cells), or severe kidney or liver disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Skelaxin.

Skelaxin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of metaxalone.

What other drugs will affect Skelaxin

Taking Skelaxin 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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