Skelaxin (Metaxalone) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Skelaxin

Pain Management »

Introduction to pain management

Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain does not go away. This can require a wide variety of skills and techniques to treat the pain. These skills and techniques include:

Interventional procedures
Medication management
Physical therapy or chiropractic therapy
Psychological counseling and support
Acupuncture and other alternative therapies; and
Referral to other medical specialists

All of these skills and services are necessary because pain can involve many aspects of a person's daily life.

How is pain tre...

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SKELAXIN®
(metaxalone) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

SKELAXIN® (metaxalone) is available as an 800 mg oval, scored pink tablet.

Chemically, metaxalone is 5-[(3,5- dimethylphenoxy) methyl]-2-oxazolidinone. The empirical formula is C₁₂H₁₅N0₃, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 221.25. The structural formula is:

SKELAXIN (metaxalone) structural formula illustration

Metaxalone is a white to almost white, odorless crystalline powder freely soluble in chloroform, soluble in methanol and in 96% ethanol, but practically insoluble in ether or water. Each tablet contains 800 mg metaxalone and the following inactive ingredients: alginic acid, ammonium calcium alginate, B-Rose Liquid, corn starch, and magnesium stearate.

What are the possible side effects of metaxalone (Skelaxin)?

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:

nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
low fever;
dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

drowsiness, dizziness;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Skelaxin »

What are the precautions when taking metaxalone (Skelaxin)?

Before taking metaxalone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe liver disease, severe kidney disease, history of low blood cell counts (e.g., hemolytic anemia, other anemias) due to a drug reaction.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, seizures.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that...

Read All Potential Precautions of Skelaxin »

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/8/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.