MSK

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Musculoskeletal

Mark this drug class

Examples

cyclobenzaprinebaclofenmethocarbamoltizanidinedantrolene

Prefix / Suffix: No consistent suffix

Physiology

Muscle spasm and spasticity can result from musculoskeletal injury or neurologic disease. Muscle relaxants reduce excessive muscle contraction but often affect the CNS.

Mechanism of Action

Most act centrally to depress reflex activity or enhance inhibitory pathways. Dantrolene acts directly on skeletal muscle by reducing calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Indications

  • Acute muscle spasm
  • Spasticity from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury
  • Painful musculoskeletal conditions
  • Malignant hyperthermia treatment with dantrolene

Side Effects / Adverse Effects

  • Sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Hypotension
  • Dry mouth
  • Hepatotoxicity with dantrolene or tizanidine

Contraindications

  • Severe hepatic disease with hepatotoxic agents
  • Use caution with CNS depressants or alcohol
  • Older adults at high fall risk
  • Drug-specific allergy

Nursing Considerations

  • Assess sedation level and fall risk
  • Teach patient not to drive or drink alcohol until effects are known
  • Monitor liver function for dantrolene or tizanidine when ordered
  • Do not stop baclofen abruptly due to withdrawal risk
  • Use alongside non-drug measures like stretching, heat/ice, and physical therapy

Ask PharmPal Nurse

Your AI tutor for Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Ask me anything about this drug class.

Disclaimer: PharmPal Nurse is for education only and is not medical advice. Do not use it to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or make patient-care decisions; always verify with current drug references, your instructor, facility policy, and a licensed provider. In emergencies, call local emergency services.