What it means
A group of drugs taken mostly by mouth for muscle spasms after strains and back injuries, or for spasticity from conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Examples are cyclobenzaprinesy-kloh-BEN-zuh-preenA drug that relaxes muscles in spasm, taken by mouth for a short time.Full entry , methocarbamol, tizanidine and baclofenBAK-loh-fenA muscle relaxant that eases muscle stiffness and spasms from nerve conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.Full entry . Most cause drowsiness and dizziness. They are different from the neuromuscular blocking agents used in surgery, which paralyze all the muscles.
For the nurse
Teach the client to avoid alcohol and driving until they know how the drug affects them, and to rise slowly. Older adults are at high risk of falls and confusion. Baclofen must not be stopped suddenly.
At a glance
| Drug class | skeletal muscle relaxant |
|---|---|
| Also written | skeletal muscle relaxants |
Related terms
neuromuscular blocking agent
A drug that blocks signals from nerves to skeletal muscles, so the muscles relax completely and cannot move.
baclofen
A muscle relaxant that eases muscle stiffness and spasms from nerve conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.
cyclobenzaprine
A drug that relaxes muscles in spasm, taken by mouth for a short time.