Skelaxin (Metaxalone) - Summary

SKELAXIN SUMMARY

SKELAXIN^®
(Metaxalone) Tablets

SKELAXIN (metaxalone) is available as a 400 mg round, pale rose tablet and an 800 mg oval, pink scored tablet.

SKELAXIN (metaxalone) is indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomforts associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of this drug has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties. Metaxalone does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man.

See all Skelaxin indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Media Articles Related to Skelaxin (Metaxalone)

Muscle Spasms
Source: MedicineNet Claudication Specialty [2011.12.12]
Title: Muscle Spasms
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 6/16/2009 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 12/12/2011 12:00:00 AM

more news >>

Published Studies Related to Skelaxin (Metaxalone)

Pediatric metaxalone ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers, 2000-2007. [2010.01]
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of metaxalone ingestions by young children reported to poison control centers... CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric metaxalone ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers usually resulted in minor or no effect. Most ingestions did not require hospitalization.

Adult metaxalone ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers, 2000-2006. [2010.01]
Few data exist on potentially adverse metaxalone (Skelaxin(R)) ingestions in adults. All metaxalone ingestions involving patients aged >or=20 years during 2000-2006 were retrieved from Texas poison control centers... This study also proposes triage guidelines for when ingestions can be safely managed at home.

A fatality involving metaxalone. [2005.05.10]
A case is presented of a 54-year-old white female found dead in a secured apartment... The medical examiner ruled that the cause of death was metaxalone and gabapentin intoxication and the manner of death was suicide.

Commonly used muscle relaxant therapies for acute low back pain: a review of carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, and metaxalone. [2004.09]
BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a leading reason for primary care visits. Many treatment options are available, but some lack scientific support. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to discuss the etiology of low back pain and the relative risks and benefits of muscle relaxants commonly prescribed for the management of back pain... CONCLUSIONS: Analgesic pain management for low back pain due to muscle spasm may be combined with a muscle relaxant. Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride has the most recent and largest clinical trials demonstrating its benefit, but carisoprodol and metaxalone also appear to be effective. However, carisoprodol's usefulness is mitigated by its potential for abuse.

Metaxalone (Skelaxin)-related death. [2004.09]
The case history and toxicological findings of a fatal multi-drug overdose involving metaxalone (Skelaxin) are presented. Gas-liquid chromatography with flame-ionization detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to determine the following drug concentrations (mg/L) in aortic blood: 19 mg/L metaxalone; 190 mg/L acetaminophen; 0.28 mg/L hydrocodone; and < 0.1 mg/L diazepam, nordiazepam, amitriptyline, and nortriptyline...

more studies >>

Reports of Suspected Skelaxin (Metaxalone) Side Effects

Drug Ineffective (21),  Headache (10),  Abdominal Discomfort (10),  Nausea (10),  Insomnia (10),  Cardiac Disorder (9),  Dizziness (9),  Drug Hypersensitivity (9),  Rash (9),  Pain (8), more >>

PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Skelaxin review by 41 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Muscle Spasm
Dosage & duration:		250 (dosage frequency: as needed) for the period of as needed for several years
Other conditions:		headaches
Other drugs taken:		OTC's
		Reported Results
Benefits:		It relaxed the spasm's in my back and neck, if not completely, at least by 50-70 percent. The best thing about this drug is that you can take it at work or during the day, and it does not make you drowsey or loopy.
Side effects:		I experienced no side effects, other then the expected outcome, which was releif of the muscle spasam.
Comments:		I take this drug only as needed, when my back or neck feels tight or in spasam. It is perfect for the weekend warrior, or someone who has occassional muscle soreness and tightness.

Skelaxin review by 49 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Ineffective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		neck and hip pain
Dosage & duration:		600mg taken 2 x per day for the period of 2 wks
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		None
Side effects:		None
Comments:		I saw the primary care physician for neck and hip pain, she prescribed skelaxin and physical therapy. The physical therapy was the treament that worked, along with simple ibuprofen. Skelaxin did not help with muscle relaxation, and I did not refill the prescription--at over $100 for a 30 day supply!

Skelaxin review by 49 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Ineffective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		neck and hip pain
Dosage & duration:		600mg taken 2 x per day for the period of 2 wks
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		None
Side effects:		None
Comments:		I saw the primary care physician for neck and hip pain, she prescribed skelaxin and physical therapy. The physical therapy was the treament that worked, along with simple ibuprofen. Skelaxin did not help with muscle relaxation, and I did not refill the prescription--at over $100 for a 30 day supply!