Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride

Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride is a muscle relaxant. It works on the centres in the brain and spinal cord to relieve muscle stiffness or spasm without reduction in strength. This improves pain and movement of muscles. It provides relief from the discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions such as rigidity, tension, stiffness, and muscle spasms.

• Muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions
• Muscle relaxation

Cyclobenzaprine, a centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant, is structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants, thus they share similar properties. It acts on the brain stem, decreasing tonic-somatic motor activities influencing both the α and δ motor systems. It is used as an adjunct in the symptomatic treatment of painful muscle spasms associated with musculoskeletal conditions.

Cyclobenzaprine acts on the brain stem, decreasing tonic-somatic motor activities to relieve muscle spasm, thereby improving pain and movement.

Adult Dose: 5 mg three times daily, may increase to 10 mg three times daily if needed. Maximum daily dose: 60 mg. Treatment should not last more than 2-3 weeks.

Elderly: Initiate with 5 mg dose and titrate slowly upward.

Child (15 years & above): 5 mg every 8 hours, may increase to 10 mg every 8 hours PRN.

Take this medicine with food. Take in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it.

If you miss a dose of Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Headache

• This medicine may affect your ability to drive.
• Due to its atropine-like action, use with caution in patients with urinary retention, angle-closure glaucoma, or taking anticholinergic medication.
• Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Not recommended in moderate to severe liver disease.

• Hypersensitivity
• Concomitant use of MAO inhibitors or within 14 days after discontinuation
• Acute recovery phase of myocardial infarction
• Arrhythmias, heart block or conduction disturbances
• Congestive heart failure
• Hyperthyroidism

MAO inhibitors: Life-threatening interactions may occur.

Alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants: Effects may be enhanced.

Cimetidine, diltiazem, disulfiram, methylphenidate, ritonavir, verapamil: May increase plasma concentration.

Others: Caution with adrenaline, amiodarone, SSRIs, antihistamines, antipsychotics, etc.

May cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol. Can be taken with food.

Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects, but human studies are limited. Should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride may pass into breastmilk and harm the baby. Caution should be exercised in nursing mothers.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below 15 years of age have not been established.

Elderly patients should be initiated with a 5 mg dose and titrated slowly upward.

Renal impairment: Limited information available. Please consult your doctor.

Hepatic impairment: Use with caution. Not recommended in moderate to severe liver disease.

Deaths may occur from overdosage. Signs and symptoms of toxicity may develop rapidly, so hospital monitoring is required as soon as possible.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride