Muscle Relaxants(CNS Depressants)

What is a common example of a centrally-acting muscle relaxant?

Cyclobenzaprine

How do centrally-acting muscle relaxants like Cyclobenzaprine work?

They act in the brain and spinal cord (CNS) to enhance GABA, producing sedation and reducing muscle spasticity.

What is the main indication for a drug like Cyclobenzaprine?

To relieve painful muscle spasms related to acute muscle injury (e.g., back strain).

What is the most common and significant side effect?

CNS Depression (drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue).

What is the most important interaction to warn patients about?

Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants, as this combination can cause severe sedation and respiratory depression.

How do you remember the action of Cyclobenzaprine?

remember that cyclobenzaprine starts with C and is centrally acting.

What is the key example of a direct-acting (peripheral) muscle relaxant?

Dantrolene

• Remember that D = direct acting

How does Dantrolene work?

It acts directly on spastic muscles to inhibit contraction by preventing the release of calcium in the skeletal muscles.

What is Dantrolene used for?

1. relieve spasticity related to cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury

2. treatment of Malignant Hyperthermia and Neuroleptic Malignant

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