Why is this medication prescribed?

Metaxalone, a muscle relaxant, is used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Metaxalone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metaxalone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking metaxalone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metaxalone or any other drugs.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for seizures, allergies, colds, or coughs; pain medications; sedatives; tranquilizers; and vitamins.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, or a blood disorder.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking metaxalone, call your doctor immediately.

• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how metaxalone affects you.

• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Metaxalone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness

• dizziness

• upset stomach

• vomiting

• headache

• nervousness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash

• difficulty breathing

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

• unusual bruising or bleeding

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• seizures

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medications. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.