Metaxalone

Metaxalone tablets are 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.

Deaths by deliberate or accidental overdose have occurred with metaxalone, particularly in combination with antidepressants, and have been reported with this class of drug in combination with alcohol. When determining the LD 50 in rats and mice, progressive sedation, hypnosis, and finally respiratory failure were noted as the dosage increased. In dogs, no LD 50 could be determined as the higher doses produced an emetic action in 15 to 30 minutes. Treatment - Gastric lavage and supportive therapy.

The most frequent reactions to metaxalone include: CNS: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and nervousness or irritability ; Digestive: nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset. Other adverse reactions are: Immune System: hypersensitivity reaction, rash with or without pruritus; Hematologic: leukopenia; hemolytic anemia; Hepatobiliary: jaundice. Though rare, anaphylactoid reactions have been reported with metaxalone.

Metaxalone tablets may enhance the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants.

The sedative effects of metaxalone and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive. Therefore, caution should be exercised with patients who take more than one of these CNS depressants simultaneously.