Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte DSC, Myoforte, Paraflex)

Category:

• Muscle relaxant

Description:

• Skeletal muscle relaxant

Indications:

• Adjunct for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful, musculoskeletal conditions; does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles

Contraindications:

• Impaired hepatic function

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• Lactation

• Hepatic disease

• Elderly

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, malaise, stimulation

• GI: anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatotoxicity, jaundice, nausea, vomiting

• GU: urine discoloration

• HEME: anemia, granulocytopenia

• SKIN: angioedema, ecchymoses, petechiae, pruritus, rash

Dosage:

Administered orally

• Adult:   PO 250-750mg 3-4 times daily

• Child:   PO 20 mg/kg daily divided doses 2-3 times daily

Special Consideration:

• Potential for psychologic dependency