Product Details

Chlorzoxazone

A to Z Drug Facts

Chlorzoxazone

Action
Indications
Contraindications
Route/Dosage
Interactions
Lab Test Interferences
Adverse Reactions
PrecautionsPatient Care Considerations
Administration/Storage
Assessment/Interventions
Patient/Family Education

(klor-ZOX-uh-zone)Paraflex, Parafon Forte DSC, Remular-SClass: Skeletal muscle relaxant/Centrally acting

 Action Action may be related to its sedative properties or to inhibition of reflex arcs at spinal cord and subcortical levels of brain.

 Indications Relief of discomfort associated with painful musculoskeletal conditions.

 Contraindications Standard considerations.

 Route/Dosage

ADULTS: PO Initial (for acute pain): 500 mg tid-qid; increase to 750 mg if needed. As improvement occurs, reduce dose; 250 mg tid-qid is usually sufficient.

 Interactions

Alcohol and other CNS depressants: Additive CNS depressant effects may occur.

 Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

 Adverse Reactions

CNS: Drowsiness; dizziness; lightheadedness; malaise; overstimulation. DERM: Allergic-type skin rashes; petechiae. GI: GI disturbances. GU: Urine discoloration (orange or purple red). HEPA: Drug-induced hepatitis. OTHER: Hypersensitivity (eg, angioneurotic edema; anaphylaxis).

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Pregnancy category undetermined. Lactation: Undetermined. Hepatic impairment: Avoid use in patients with liver impairment; discontinue if signs of dysfunction occur. Hazardous tasks: May impair ability to perform tasks requiring mental or physical coordination or dexterity, including driving. Drowsiness is very common.

PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS

 

 Administration/Storage

• Give with meals to avoid GI upset.
• Discuss dosage adjustments with physician according to patient's response.

 Assessment/Interventions

• Notify physician if patient is pregnant or nursing.
• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies.
• Monitor skin and sclera for jaundice.
• Monitor liver function throughout therapy.
• Report signs of liver dysfunction to physician.

OVERDOSAGE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, malaise, sluggishness, loss of muscle tone, decreased deep tendon reflex, respiratory depression

 Patient/Family Education

• Instruct patient to inform physician of any urticaria, redness or itching.
• Tell patient to report to physician any yellowing of skin or eyes.
• Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks that require mental alertness.
• Advise patient to avoid intake of alcoholic beverages and other medications that cause drowsiness while taking product.
• Advise patient to notify physician before discontinuing medication.
• Inform patient to take a missed dose as soon as possible, unless several hours have passed. Advise patient not to double doses.
• Inform patient urine may turn orange or purple-red while taking this medication.
• Instruct patient to take with meals to avoid GI upset.

Books@Ovid
Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts