metaxalone

Generic Name: metaxalone (me TAX a lone)

Brand Names: Skelaxin

What is metaxalone?

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

Metaxalone is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.

Metaxalone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about metaxalone?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metaxalone, or if you have anemia (a lack of red blood cells), or severe kidney or liver disease.

Before using metaxalone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take metaxalone.

Metaxalone 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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metaxalone?

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

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  anemia (a lack of red blood cells);

  
  


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  severe kidney disease; or

  
  


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  severe liver disease.

  
  

Before using metaxalone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take metaxalone.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether metaxalone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take metaxalone?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using metaxalone.

Metaxalone is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include rest, physical therapy, or other pain relief measures. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store metaxalone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Metaxalone dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of metaxalone can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking metaxalone?

Metaxalone 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. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by metaxalone. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other muscle relaxer.

Metaxalone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using metaxalone and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

  
  


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  low fever;

  
  


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  dark urine, clay-colored stools; or

  
  


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  jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  drowsiness, dizziness;

  
  


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  feeling nervous or irritable;

  
  


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  headache;

  
  


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  mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach; or

  
  


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  skin rash.

  
  

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.

Metaxalone Dosing Information

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.

What other drugs will affect metaxalone?

There may be other drugs that can interact with metaxalone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More metaxalone resources

• Metaxalone Side Effects (in more detail)
• Metaxalone Dosage
• Metaxalone Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Metaxalone Drug Interactions
• Metaxalone Support Group
• 53 Reviews for Metaxalone - Add your own review/rating

• metaxalone Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Metaxalone Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Metaxalone Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Metaxalone Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Metaxalone MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Skelaxin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Skelaxin Consumer Overview

Compare metaxalone with other medications

• Fibromyalgia
• Muscle Spasm

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about metaxalone.

See also: metaxalone side effects (in more detail)