Skelaxin is a muscle relaxant
manufactured by Elan Pharmaceuticals
that is used to relieve pain
and discomfort caused by strains,
sprains, and other muscle injuries.
The chemical name of Skelaxin
is metaxalone, which is the
drugs main active ingredient.
This medication is used in
combination with rest, physical
therapy, and other measures
to relax the injured muscle(s).
Skelaxin comes in doses of 400
and 800mg pale rose scored tablets.
This medication is sometimes
also prescribed for other uses.
Usage
of Skelaxin
Skelaxin is available in tablet
form and is to be taken orally.
It usually prescribed three
or four times a day. It is important
that you take Skelaxin exactly
as directed by your doctor.
Do not take more or less of
this drug than prescribed.
Special
Precautions in using Skelaxin
Before taking Skelaxin, it is
important that you inform your
doctor;
- if you are allergic to metaxalone
or any other drugs
- what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking,
especially medications for seizures,
allergies, colds, coughs, pain
medications, sedatives tranquilizers,
and vitamins
- if you have or have had kidney
disease, liver disease, seizures,
or a blood disorder
- if you are pregnant, plan
to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
If you become pregnant while
on this drug, inform your doctor
immediately.
If you miss a dose of Skelaxin,
take it as soon as possible.
However if it is time for your
next dose, skip the missed d
and continue your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take a double
dose of this drug to make up
for the missed one.
Warnings
while using Skelaxin
- Do not take Skelaxin if you
have acute intermittent porphyria.
- Exercise caution when driving,
operating heavy machinery, or
performing hazardous activities
while on Skelaxin as it may
cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Use alcohol cautiously while
on this durg. Alcohol may increase
drowsiness and/or dizziness
while on Skelaxin.
- Skelaxin is not approved for
use in children younger than
12 years of age.
Drug
Interactions of using Skelaxin
Many drugs can increase the
effects of Skelaxin, which can
lead to heavy sedation. Before
taking this drug, inform your
doctor if you are taking any
of the following medicines:
- Antihistamines such as brompheniramine,
chlorpheniramine, azatadine,
clemastine, etc.
- Narcotics such as meperidine,
morphine, propoxyphene, hydrocodone,
oxycodone, fentanyl, and codeine.
- Sedatives such as phenobarbital,
amobarbital, and secobarbital.
- phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine,
fluphenazine, mesoridazine,
perphenazine, prochlorperazine,
thioridazine, and trifluoperazine.
- Antidepressants such as doxepin,
imipramine, nortriptyline, fluoxetine,
paroxetine, sertraline, phenelzine,
and tranylcypromine.
Drugs other than those listed
here may also interact with
Skelaxin so it is important
that you speak to your doctor
before using this drug.
Side
effects of using Skelaxin
Side effects from Skelaxin are
not common, but they do occur.
Inform your doctor if any of
these symptoms are severe or
do not go away:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- headaches
- nervousness
If you experience any of the
following symptoms, call your
doctor without delay:
- severe skin rash
- difficulty breathing
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- seizures.
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