Brand Names: Skelaxin

Generic Name: Metaxalone (me TAX a lone)

What is Skelaxin?

Skelaxin is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat discomfort associated with acute skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.

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

How Taken

Skelaxin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. The recommended dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is two tablets (800 mg) three to four times a day. Skelaxin may be taken with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Skelaxin if you have acute intermittent porphyria. Before taking Skelaxin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy. It is not known whether Skelaxin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Skelaxin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Skelaxin passes into breast milk. Do not take Skelaxin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Skelaxin is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Skelaxin, take as soon as remembered within 1 hour. Otherwise skip that dose and resume usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Possible Side Effects

The most frequent reactions to Skelaxin include nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and nervousness or "irritability." Other adverse reactions are: hypersensitivity reactions, characterized by a light rash with or without pruritus; leukopenia; hemolytic anemia; jaundice.

Storage

Store Skelaxin at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness or unconsciousness.

More Information

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Skelaxin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Skelaxin.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Skelaxin.