Metaxalone

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. (April 2008)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.



Metaxalone
Systematic (IUPAC) name
5-[(3,5-dimethylphenoxy)methyl]oxazolidin-2-one
Identifiers
CAS number	1665-48-1
ATC code	?
PubChem	15459
DrugBank	APRD00514
Chemical data
Formula	C₁₂H₁₅N O₃
Mol. mass	221.252 g/mol
SMILES	eMolecules & PubChem
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	Unknown
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	9.2 (± 4.8) hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	C(US)
Legal status	℞-only(US)
Routes	Oral

Not to be confused with Metolazone, a diuretic.

Metaxalone (marketed by King Pharmaceuticals under the brand name Skelaxin) is a muscle relaxant 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 considered to be a moderately strong muscle relaxant, with relatively low incidence of side effects. Skelaxin comes in an 800 mg scored tablet. It previously came in both 400 mg and 800 mg tablets. The 400 mg tablet has been discontinued. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and CNS side effects such as dizziness, headache, and irritability.