Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride

Brand Names: Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride

Drug Class: General Prescription

Overview

DESCRIPTION Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, USP is a tricyclic amine salt which is white to off white, odourless, crystalline powder with the molecular formula C 20 H 21 N • HCl and a molecular weight of 311.9. It has a melting point of 217°C, and a pKa of 8.47 at 25°C. It is freely soluble in water, in alcohol and in methanol, sparingly soluble in isopropanol, slightly soluble in chloroform and...

Mechanism of Action

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride relieves skeletal muscle spasm of local origin without interfering with muscle function. It is ineffective in muscle spasm due to central nervous system disease. Cyclobenzaprine reduced or abolished skeletal muscle hyperactivity in several animal models. Animal studies indicate that cyclobenzaprine does not act at the neuromuscular junction or directly on skeletal muscle. Such studies show that cyclobenzaprine acts primarily within the central nervous system at brain stem as opposed to spinal cord levels, although its action on the latter may contribute to its overall skeletal muscle relaxant activity.

Indications

  • INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride tablets, USP are indicated as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Improvement is manifested by relief of muscle spasm and its associated signs and symptoms, namely, pain, tenderness, limitation of motion, and restriction in activities of daily living. Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride tablets should be used only for short periods (up to 2 or 3 weeks) because adequate evidence of effectiveness for more prolonged use is not available and because muscle spasm...

Common Doses

  • 5 mg
  • 10 mg

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For most patients, the recommended dose of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride tablets is 5 mg three times a day. Based on individual patient response, the dose may be increased to 10 mg three times a day. Use of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride tablets for periods longer than 2 or 3 weeks is not recommended (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE) . Less frequent dosing should be considered for hepatically impaired or elderly patients (see PRECAUTIONS: Impaired Hepatic Function , and Use in the Elderly).

Contraindications

  • CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or within 14 days after their discontinuation. Hyperpyretic crisis seizures and deaths have occurred in patients receiving cyclobenzaprine (or structurally similar tricyclic antidepressants) concomitantly with MAO inhibitor drugs. Acute recovery phase of myocardial infarction, and patients with arrhythmias, heart block or conduction disturbances, or congestive heart failure. Hyperthyroidism.

Side Effects

  • ADVERSE REACTIONS Incidence of most common adverse reactions in the two double-blind*, placebo-controlled 5 mg studies (incidence of > 3% on cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride 5 mg): Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 5 mg Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg Placebo N = 464 N = 249 N = 469 Drowsiness 29% 38% 10% Dry Mouth 21% 32% 7% Fatigue 6% 6% 3% Headache 5% 5% 8% *Note: Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride 10 mg data are from one clinical trial. Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride 5 mg and placebo data are from two studies.

Interactions

  • No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.