Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
TERMS
□ baclofen (Lioresal)
□ dantrolene (Dantrium)
QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD
The skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that bring relief to the muscle spasm and spasticity that often occur in trauma or disease of the neuromuscular system. These drugs offer pain relief and are frequently used along with physical therapy and rest in the treatment of muscle spasms. Many of the skeletal muscle relaxants act directly on the spinal cord and brain, and dantrolene (Dantrium) works on muscle fibers.
Table 24-1 Skeletal Muscle Relaxants | |||||||||
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SKELETAL MUSCLE RELAXANTS CLIENT TEACHINGCentrally Acting
Do not breast-feed.
No activities requiring concentration until drug reaction is known
No OTC drugs unless approved by physician
Do not stop taking drug as hallucinations and psychotic behavior may develop.
No alcohol as this will cause additional CNS depression
Report any adverse effects to physician as these are usually dose related and can be eliminated if dose of drug is decreased.
No activities requiring concentration until drug reaction is known
Do not stop taking drug as hallucinations and psychotic behavior may develop.
Report any adverse effects to physician as these are usually dose related and can be eliminated if dose of drug is decreased.Peripherally Acting
Do not breast-feed.
No activities requiring concentration until drug reaction is known
No alcohol or OTC drugs
Signs of liver toxicity such as jaundice, dark-colored urine, abdominal pain, or clay-colored stools must be reported to physician immediately. Liver toxicity typically happens within 3-12 months of taking drug.
Injection of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) lasts 3-4 months and needs to be repeated.
No alcohol or OTC drugs
ACTION
