Chlorzoxazone
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Chlorzoxazone
- Brand Names
- Chlorzoxazone
- Drug Class
- Muscle Relaxant [EPC]
- Route
- ORAL
- Dosage Form
- TABLET
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
DESCRIPTION Chlorzoxazone USP is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant, available as tablets of 500 mg for oral administration. Its chemical name is 5-Chloro-2-benzoxazolinone, and its structural formula is: Chlorzoxazone,USP is a white or practically white, practically odorless, crystalline powder. Chlorzoxazone is slightly soluble in water; sparingly soluble in alcohol, in isopropyl alcohol, and in methanol; soluble in solutions of alkali hydroxides and ammonia. Chlorzoxazone tablets contain the inactive ingredients -Lactose monohydrate USNF, Microcrystalline cellulose USNF, FD&C Yellow 6/Sunset Yellow FCF Aluminium lake, D&C Red 27/Phloxine Aluminium lake, Hypromellose USP (a) Binder solution Hypromellose USP (b), Polysarbate 80 USNF, Ethanol (96%v/v). Extragranrular Pregelatinized Starch USNF, Sodium starch glycolate USNF, Magnesium stearate USNF. FDA approved dissolution method differs from that of the USP. structure
What Is Chlorzoxazone Used For?
INDICATIONS Chlorzoxazone is indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of this drug has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties. Chlorzoxazone does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man.
Dosage and Administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Usual Adult Dosage One tablet three or four times daily. If adequate response is not obtained with this dose, it may be increased to one and one-half tablets (750 mg) three or four times daily. As improvement occurs dosage can usually be reduced.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
ADVERSE REACTIONS Chlorzoxazone containing products are usually well tolerated. It is possible in rare instances that chlorzoxazone may have been associated with gastrointestinal bleeding. Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, malaise, or over-stimulation may be noted by an occasional patient. Rarely, allergic type skin rashes, petechiae, or ecchymoses may develop during treatment. Angioneurotic edema or anaphylactic reactions are extremely rare. There is no evidence that the drug will cause renal damage. Rarely, a patient may note discoloration of the urine resulting from a phenolic metabolite of chlorzoxazone. This finding is of no known clinical significance. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE EVENTS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800- FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/ for voluntary reporting of adverse reactions.
Warnings and Precautions
WARNINGS Serious (including fatal) hepatocellular toxicity has been reported rarely in patients receiving chlorzoxazone. The mechanism is unknown but appears to be idiosyncratic and unpredictable. Factors predisposing patients to this rare event are not known. Patients should be instructed to report early signs and/or symptoms of hepatotoxicity such as fever, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, or jaundice. Chlorzoxazone should be discontinued immediately and a physician consulted if any of these signs or symptoms develop. Chlorzoxazone use should also be discontinued if a patient develops abnormal liver enzymes (e.g., AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin.) The concomitant use of alcohol or other central nervous system depressants may have an additive effect. Usage in Pregnancy The safe use of chlorzoxazone has not been established with respect to the possible adverse effects upon fetal development. Therefore, it should be used in women of childbearing potential only when, in the judgment of the physician, the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Chlorzoxazone is contraindicated in patients with known intolerance to the drug.
Overdosage
OVERDOSAGE Symptoms Initially, gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea together with drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness or headache may occur. Early in the course there may be malaise or sluggishness followed by marked loss of muscle tone, making voluntary movement impossible. The deep tendon reflexes may be decreased or absent. The sensorium remains intact, and there is no peripheral loss of sensation. Respiratory depression may occur with rapid, irregular respiration and intercostal and substernal retraction. The blood pressure is lowered, but shock has not been observed. Treatment Gastric lavage or induction of emesis should be carried out, followed by administration of activated charcoal. Thereafter, treatment is entirely supportive. If respirations are depressed, oxygen and artificial respiration should be employed and a patent airway assured by use of an oropharyngeal airway or endotracheal tube. Hypotension may be counteracted by use of dextran, plasma, concentrated albumin or a vasopressor agent such as norepinephrine. Cholinergic drugs or analeptic drugs are of no value and should not be used.
How Supplied
HOW SUPPLIED Chlorzoxazone tablets, USP 500 mg are available as Light orange to orange round shaped, flat hexagonal, beveled debossed with “N” on one side of break line and “500” on other side of break line and plain on other side. Bottles of 20 NDC 71205-711-20 Bottles of 30 NDC 71205-711-30 Bottles of 60 NDC 71205-711-60 Bottles of 90 NDC 71205-711-90 Store at controlled room temperature 15°- 30°C (59°-86° F). Dispense contents with a child-resistant closure (as required) and in a tight container as defined in the USP/NF. Keep out of the reach of children. Distributed by: Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. 279 Princeton-Hightstown Road East Windsor, NJ 08520 Manufactured by: Aurobindo Pharma Limited Hyderabad-500 032, India Repackaged by: Proficient Rx LP Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 Revised: 11/2021
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.