Metaxalone (By Mouth)

Metaxalone (me-TAX-a-lone)

Relaxes certain muscles and relieves pain caused by muscle injuries, sprains, and strains. Belongs to the group of drugs called muscle relaxants.

Brand Name(s):

Skelaxin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to metaxalone.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered.
• May be taken with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible if it is within 1 hour of your regular dosing time.
• If it is almost time for your next regular dose, skip the missed dose and take your medicine at your usual times.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking other drugs that could make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, cold or allergy medicine, other muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, narcotic pain killers or antidepressants.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have blood, kidney, or liver disease, or seizures.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Be careful if you are driving a car or using machinery.
• Metaxalone may affect the results tests that checks for sugar in the urine of patients with diabetes. If you have diabetes don't make any changes in your medicine or diet unless you have checked with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Skin rash, severe itching or hives
• Swelling of the face, eyelids, mouth, or lips
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Unexplained fever or sore throat
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion
• Headache, nervousness, or irritability
• Stomach upset or heartburn
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Blurred vision

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.