Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride (Flexeril)

Category:

• Muscle relaxant

Description:

• Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant

  Indications:

• Skeletal muscle spasms associated with painful musculoskeletal conditions

• Unlabeled use:

  • fibrositis syndrome: 10-40mg/day in divided doses

  Contraindications:

• Concomitant administration with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or with 14 days post discontinuing MAOI use.

• Acute recovery phase of myocardial infarction.

• Patients with arrhythmias, heart block, or conduction disorders.

• Patients with congestive heart failure.

• Patients with hyperthyroidism.

 Precautions:

• Pregnancy category B

• Structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants.

• Use with caution in patients with a history of urinary retention, closed-angle glaucoma and increased intraocular pressure due to possible anticholinergic effects.

• Will impair higher order motor function, therefore use caution when operating machinery or automobiles.

• Use for only short-term treatment (2-3 weeks).

• Use with caution when administering with other CNS depressive medications.

• Do not drink alcohol when using cyclobenzaprine.

  Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

Central nervous system: drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, headache, nervousness

Gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, dyspepsia, unpleasant taste

Dry mouth

Dosage:

• Administered orally (tablets, capsules, liquid) or rectally

• Adult:

  • 20-40mg per day in divided doses (no greater than 60mg per day)

  • Do not use for periods greater than three weeks

  • Not recommended for children under 15 years old.

• Fibrositis syndrome:

  • 10-40mg/day in divided doses