Chlorzoxazone

(klör′zäks·ə′zōn)

(pharmacology) C₇H₄ClNO₂ Crystals with a melting point of 191-191.5°C; soluble in aqueous solutions of alkali hydroxides and in ammonia; used as a skeletal muscle relaxant.

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n

trade names: Paraflex, Parafon Forte DSC; drug class: skeletal muscle relaxant, central acting; action: depresses multi-synaptic pathways in the spinal cord; uses: adjunct for relief of muscle spasm in musculoskeletal conditions.

Brand names: Paraflex®Parafon Forte® DSCRelax™ DSRemular S™

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Chlorzoxazone tablets or caplets (below)
• Chlorzoxazone Oral tablet

Español:
• Tabletas o "caplets" de clorzoxazona
• Clorzoxazona, Tableta oral

Chlorzoxazone tablets or caplets

What are chlorzoxazone tablets or caplets?

CHLORZOXAZONE (Parafon Forte® DSC, Paraflex®, Remular-S® and others) is a muscle relaxant that has sedative properties. It is used in combination with rest and physical therapy to relieve acute, painful muscle discomforts, like those caused by sprains, strains or other muscle injuries. Generic chlorzoxazone products are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• kidney disease
• liver disease or a history of liver disease
• porphyria
• an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorzoxazone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take chlorzoxazone tablets or caplets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If chlorzoxazone upsets your stomach, you may take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with chlorzoxazone?

• alcohol and alcoholic beverages
• baclofen
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), such as phenobarbital
• disulfiram
• dronabinol, THC
• entacapone
• isoniazid, INH
• kava kava
• medicnes for hay fever and other allergies  
• medicines for mental depression, anxiety or psychotic disturbances
• medicines to treat sleeping problems (insomnia)
• prescription medicines for pain
• simvastatin
• tolcapone
• valerian

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking chlorzoxazone?

Chlorzoxazone is usually used for a short period of time to relax muscles and relieve pain. Let your prescriber know if your condition does not improve. If you must take chlorzoxazone for a longer period of time, your prescriber may want to monitor your liver function by regularly taking a blood test.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how chlorzoxazone affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy; avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from taking chlorzoxazone?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• abdominal pain
• darkened brown urine
• difficulty breathing
• nausea or vomiting
• skin rash, hives, itching
• unusual movements
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• orange or purple-red color of the urine
• stomach upset

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

A skeletal muscle relaxant.

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