Skelaxin (Skelaxin)

Metalaxone tablet

What is this medicine?

METAXALONE is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) in the brain.

Metalaxone is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat discomfort associated with acute skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

You should not use Metalaxone if you are allergic to metaxalone, or if you have:

• anemia (a lack of red blood cells);
• severe kidney disease; or
• severe liver disease.

Before using Metalaxone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medicine.

Metalaxone may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether metaxalone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take this medicine?

Take Metalaxone exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Metalaxone.

Metalaxone is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include rest, physical therapy, or other pain relief measures. Follow your doctor's instructions.

What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Metalaxone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Metalaxone. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Metalaxone. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other muscle relaxer.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

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 Metalaxone 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 Metalaxone side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;
• feeling nervous or irritable;
• headache;
• mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach; or
• skin rash.

What may interact with this medicine?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Metalaxone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.