Drug Groups

approved

Description

A centrally acting central muscle relaxant with sedative properties. It is claimed to inhibit muscle spasm by exerting an effect primarily at the level of the spinal cord and subcortical areas of the brain. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoea, 30th ed, p1202)

Indication

For the relief of discomfort associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Pharmacology

Chlorzoxazone, a synthetic compound, inhibits antigen-induced bronchospasms and, hence, is used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Chlorzoxazone is used as an ophthalmic solution to treat conjunctivitis and is taken orally to treat systemic mastocytosis and ulcerative colitis. Chlorzoxazone is also a centrally-acting agent for painful musculoskeletal conditions. Data available from animal experiments as well as human study indicate that chlorzoxazone acts primarily at the level of the spinal cord and subcortical areas of the brain where it inhibits multisynaptic reflex a.c. involved in producing and maintaining skeletal muscle spasm of varied etiology. The clinical result is a reduction of the skeletal muscle spasm with relief of pain and increased mobility of the involved muscles.

Toxicity

Oral, mouse: LD₅₀ = 440 mg/kg; Oral, rat: LD₅₀ = 763 mg/kg; Symptoms of overdose include diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, light-headedness, nausea, and vomiting.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Chlorzoxazone is rapidly metabolized in the liver and is excreted in the urine, primarily in a conjugated form as the glucuronide.

Protein Binding

13-18%

Elimination

Chlorzoxazone is rapidly metabolized and is excreted in the urine, primarily in a conjugated form as the glucuronide.

References

External Links