klor-ZOX-a-zohn

Therapeutic Classification: skeletal muscle relaxants (centrally acting)

• Adjunct to rest and physical therapy in the treatment of muscle spasm associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions.

• Skeletal muscle relaxation, probably due to CNS depression.

• Skeletal muscle relaxation with decreased discomfort.

Absorption: Readily absorbed after oral administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Mostly metabolized by the liver; <1% excreted unchanged in urine.

Half-life: 1.1 hr.

(skeletal muscle effects)

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity
• Porphyria.

Use Cautiously in:

• Underlying cardiovascular disease
• Renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment
• OB: Safety not established in pregnancy
• Lactation: Safety not established in breastfeeding
• Geri: Appears on Beers list. ↑ risk of anticholinergic adverse reactions, sedation, and fractures in older adults. Avoid use in older adults.

Derm: allergic dermatitis.

GI: constipation, diarrhea, GI BLEEDING, heartburn, nausea, vomiting.

Hemat: AGRANULOCYTOSIS, anemia.

Neuro: dizziness, drowsiness.
Misc: (INCLUDING ANGIOEDEMA)HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS .

Drug-Drug:

• ↑risk of CNS depression with other CNS depressants, including alcohol, antihistamines, antidepressants, sedative/hypnotics, or opioid analgesics.

Drug-Natural Products:

• Concomitant use of kava-kava, valerian, skullcap, chamomile, or hops can ↑ CNS depression.

• PO (Adults): 250–750 mg 3–4 times daily.
• PO (Children): 20 mg/kg or 600 mg/m²/day in 3–4 divided doses.

(Generic available)

• Tablets: 250 mg; 375 mg; 500 mg; 750 mg;

• Assess patient for pain, muscle stiffness, and range of motion before and periodically during therapy.
• Geri: Assess geriatric patients for anticholinergic effects (sedation and weakness).

• Monitor liver enzymes (AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin) periodically during prolonged therapy.

• PO: May be administered with meals to minimize gastric irritation. Tablets may be crushed and mixed with food or liquid for ease of administration.

• Instruct patient to take medication as directed; do not take more than the prescribed amount. Missed doses should be taken within 1 hr of time ordered; otherwise, omit and return to normal dose schedule. Do not double doses.
• Medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to drug is known.
• Instruct patient to notify health care professional if early signs and/or symptoms of hepatotoxicity (fever, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, jaundice); discontinue medication immediately if signs and symptoms occur.
• Advise patient to avoid concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants, including opioids with this medication; may cause overdose.
• If constipation becomes a problem, advise patient that increasing fluid intake and bulk in diet and stool softeners may alleviate this condition.
• Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

• Relief of muscular spasm in acute skeletal muscle conditions.

Lorzone, Parafon Forte DSC