Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

medications that treat pain

Baclofen

Actions:

• depresses hyperactive spasticity of skeletal muscles

• produces sedative effects at times

Uses:

• relieve spams related to spinal cord injury and MS (multiple sclerosis)

AE:

• CNS depression

• nausea & constipation

• urinary retention

• seizures

NI:

• start w/ low doses

• avoid alcohol

• do NOT disontinue abruptly

• monitor I&O

• increases fluids and fiber

Cyclobenzaprine

Actions:

• depresses hyperative spasticity of skeletal muscles primarily

• produces sedative effects at times

Uses:

• relieve spams related to muscle injury

AE:

• CNS depression

• nausea

NI:

• start w/ low doses

• avoid alcohol

• take w/ food

• long half life

Methocarbamol

Actions:

• centrally acting muscle relaxant

• produces sedative effects at times

Uses:

• relieve spasms related to muscle injruy (& pain related to it)

AE:

• CNS depression

• may cause hypotension or bradycardia

• can discolor urine (harmless discoloration — black/brown)

NI:

• avoid alcohol (b/c it’s a CNS depressant)

Dantrolene

Action:

• inhibits muscle contraction in skeletal muscles, little affect on CNS

Admin:

• IV

Uses:

• malignant hyperthermia (causes extreme contraction in skeletal muscles and increased temp.)

AE:

• hepatic toxicity (liver)

• muscle weakness

NI:

• check liver function

• assess muscle strength frequently after administration

• emergent medicaton only