Metaxalone
Metaxalone, sold under the brand name Skelaxin, is a muscle relaxant medication used to relax muscles and relieve pain caused by strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Its exact mechanism of action is not known, but it may be due to general central nervous system depression. It is a moderately strong muscle relaxant, with relatively low incidence of side effects.
Clinical data | |
---|---|
Trade names | Skelaxin |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a682010 |
License data |
|
Routes of administration | By mouth |
ATC code |
|
Legal status | |
Legal status |
|
Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | Unknown |
Metabolism | Liver |
Elimination half-life | 9.2 ± 4.8 hours |
Excretion | Kidney |
Identifiers | |
| |
CAS Number | |
PubChem CID | |
IUPHAR/BPS | |
DrugBank | |
ChemSpider | |
UNII | |
KEGG | |
ChEMBL | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.015.253 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C12H15NO3 |
Molar mass | 221.256 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
| |
| |
(verify) |
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and central nervous system (CNS) side effects, such as dizziness, headache, and irritability.
The metabolism of metaxalone involves enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 in the cytochrome P450 system. Because many medications are metabolized by enzymes in this system, precaution must be taken when administering it with other medications involving the P450 system to avoid interactions.
Because of the potential for side effects, this drug is considered high risk in the elderly.