Muscle Spasm Drugs - CNS

Question 1

Centrally acting relaxants work on?

Answer 1

spinal cord injury
multiple sclerosis
cerebral palsy

Question 2

Drugs for centrally acting?

Answer 2

Baclofen (Lioresal)
Carisoprodol (Soma)
Chlorzoxazone (Paraflex, Parafon Forte)
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Question 3

Expected pharmacologic action?

Answer 3

Enhance inhibitory effects of GABA

Question 4

Side/Adverse effects?

Answer 4

Drowsiness/dizziness
Nausea
Constipation
Can have withdrawal symptoms if you have been taking long term and stop abruptly

Question 5

Administration

Answer 5

Oral: start in low doses, gradually increase to 20 mg, 3-4 X day
Give with food/milk
Intrathecal infusion: directly into spine

Question 6

Patient instructions

Answer 6

Be aware of drowsiness
Change position slowly if dizzy
Take w/ food/milk
Increase fiber/fluid to help avoid constipation
If stopping: Taper off 1-2 weeks

Question 7

Contraindications/precautions

Answer 7

previous allergy to drug
use of MAOI antidepressants w/in 2 weeks
Cerebral palsy
Seizure disorders

Question 8

Interactions

Answer 8

alcohol/other depressants

diabetes patients: may require increase insulin