How to Get Information on Skelaxin

Skelaxin is the brand name for metaxalone, a skeletal muscle relaxer available by prescription. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Skelaxin is prescribed along with rest, physical therapy and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain caused by sprains, strains and other muscle injuries. Skelaxin comes in tablet form and is usually taken by mouth three to four times a day. Physicians often use Skelaxin as a non-narcotic alternative for treating back pain. Skelaxin is a powerful drug, so it is important to know how to find information on Skelaxin before beginning treatment.

Instructions

• 1

  Call your physician and schedule an appointment to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of taking Skelaxin for your condition. Give your physician a list of the medications you are currently taking including prescription drugs, herbal products and over-the-counter supplements. Skelaxin can interact with various medications, so ask your physician if Skelaxin will interfere with other medications you are taking.

• 2

  Search government supported websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to find information on Skelaxin. The CDC supplies consumers with credible and reliable information on statistics, diseases, healthy living and medications. The CDC also features a web channel called CDC-TV that allows you to watch educational videos about many different diseases, conditions and medications.

• 3

  Check a Physicians Desk Reference for in-depth information about Skelaxin and other muscle relaxers. The Physician Desk Reference, or PDR, is a compilation of manufacturers' prescribing information published every year as a medical reference book for healthcare personnel. The Physicians Desk Reference is available online and printed copies of the PDR are available at most libraries and bookstores.

• 4

  Talk to your local pharmacist about Skelaxin therapy. Pharmacists have many areas of expertise and are a critical source of medical information on drug therapy, medication side effects and drug interactions when mixing medications. Pharmacists also know the best ways to take medications to avoid digestion issues, adverse reactions and drug interactions.

• 5

  Call the information hotline for King Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Skelaxin, or visit the Skelaxin website to get the full prescribing information. The Skelaxin website features vital information about the kinds of muscle disorders for which Skelaxin is prescribed, the safety of Skelaxin, and the contraindications for Skelaxin therapy. Studies performed on the efficacy of Skelaxin can also be found on the company's website.

• 6

  Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website for up-to-date information on Skelaxin. The FDA also supplies updated information on drug recalls and places warning labels on medications to warn consumers of dangerous side effects, adverse reactions and drug interactions.