Ch 25 Muscle Spasms and Spasticity

Question 1

Localized muscle spasm is treated with __.

Answer 1

centrally acting muscle relaxants and over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs.

Question 2

Spasticity is treated with four drugs:

Answer 2

baclofen,
diazepam,
dantrolene,
and tizanidine.

Question 3

All centrally acting muscle relaxants produce __.

Answer 3

generalized CNS depression

Question 4

___ is less effective than other available drugs and can cause fatal hepatic necrosis. Accordingly, the risk for harm usually exceeds benefits.

Answer 4

Chlorzoxazone (a central muscle relaxant)

Question 5

__ relieves spasticity by mimicking the inhibitory actions of GABA in the CNS.

Answer 5

Baclofen

Question 6

In contrast to all other drugs discussed in this chapter, __ acts directly on muscle to promote relaxation.

Answer 6

dantrolene

Question 7

Abrupt discontinuation of intrathecal baclofen can lead to (3).

Answer 7

rhabdomyolysis, multiple organ system failure, and death

Question 8

With prolonged use, dantrolene can cause __.

Answer 8

potentially fatal liver damage.

Monitor liver function and minimize dosage and duration of treatment.

Question 9

In addition to relief of spasticity, __ is used to treat malignant hyperthermia, a potentially fatal condition
caused by succinylcholine and general anesthetics.

Answer 9

dantrolene