Diclofenac+metaxalone
About
Diclofenac+metaxalone belongs to a class of medications called Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain killer used to reduce and relieve pain due to muscle spasms (excessive tension in the muscles). Muscle spasm is the sudden involuntary contractions of the muscle, which can be painful and uncomfortable. When the nerve impulses that control the muscle movements are damaged or interrupted, it could lead to muscle spasms.
Diclofenac+metaxalone contains Diclofenac and Metaxalone. Diclofenac works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation.Metaxalone works by blocking the nerve impulses and pain sensations in the brain, thereby helps in maintaining muscle strength and relieves muscle spasms or stiffness. Together, Diclofenac+metaxalone helps in relieving pain due to muscle spasms.
You are advised to take Diclofenac+metaxalone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Diclofenac+metaxalone may cause common side-effects such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness and headache. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Diclofenac+metaxalone may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Diclofenac+metaxalone should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Diclofenac+metaxalone as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness; it might also increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Diclofenac+metaxalone
Medicinal Benefits
Diclofenac+metaxalone is a combination of two drugs: Diclofenac and Metaxalone. Diclofenac is an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug), and metaxalone is a skeletal muscle relaxant. Diclofenac+metaxalone is used to reduce and relieve pain due to muscle spasms (excessive tension in the muscles). Diclofenac works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in the body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make another chemical prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, lesser prostaglandins are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site. Metaxalone works on the centres of the spinal cord and brain, thereby helps in maintaining muscle strength and relieves muscle spasms or stiffness. Together, Diclofenac+metaxalone helps in relieving pain due to muscle spasms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Diclofenac+metaxalone
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Headache
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you have had any recent heart surgery, do not take Diclofenac+metaxalone unless advised by the doctor as it may increase the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not take Diclofenac+metaxalone if you are allergic to any of its components, have severe heart failure, or have suffered bleeding problems such as bleeding from the stomach or bowels while taking any painkillers. Inform your doctor before taking Diclofenac+metaxalone if you have/had high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol, diabetes, asthma, liver or kidney problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Diclofenac+metaxalone may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Diclofenac+metaxalone should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Diclofenac+metaxalone as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Stop taking Diclofenac+metaxalone and consult your doctor immediately if you have stomach pain or any signs of bleeding in the intestine or stomach such as blood in stools. Do not take any other NSAIDs for pain relief along with Diclofenac+metaxalone unless prescribed. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Diclofenac+metaxalone may interact with pain killers (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, hydrocodone, acetaminophen, oxycodone, tramadol), diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide), anti-hypertensive (lisinopril, metoprolol), corticosteroid (prednisone), anti-coagulant (rivaroxaban), sedative (zolpidem), anti-histamine (diphenhydramine, cetirizine), anti-convulsant (gabapentin, clonazepam, pregabalin), anti-depressant (duloxetine, escitalopram, sertraline), anxiolytics (diazepam, alprazolam).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have anaemia, asthma, fluid retention, gastrointestinal toxicity, rash, thrombosis (formation of clots), high blood pressure, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), heart, kidney and liver problems
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Diclofenac+metaxalone as it may cause increased drowsiness. It may also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Diclofenac+metaxalone; your doctor will decide whether Diclofenac+metaxalone can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionDiclofenac+metaxalone may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeDiclofenac+metaxalone should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Exercising regularly helps in muscle stretching so that they are less likely to spasm, tear and sprain. Mild exercises such as jogging and walking are helpful for muscle stretching.
- Massages can also be helpful.
- Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes, instead, wear loose garments.
- Rest well, get plenty of sleep.
- To avoid developing pressure sores, change your position at least every two hours.
- Hot or cold therapy can help treat muscle spasms. Apply an ice-pack or hot-pack on the muscle for 15-20minutes.
- Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Muscle spasm: It is the sudden involuntary contractions of the muscle, which can be painful and uncomfortable. When the nerve impulses that control the muscle movements are damaged or interrupted, it could lead to muscle spasms. Symptoms include muscle tightness, joint stiffness, unusual posture, difficulty in moving, pain in affected muscles and joints. Fatigue (weakness), stress, extreme heat or cold, infection and tight clothing can trigger muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants and exercise can treat muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants sedate the muscle and help in inhibiting painful contractions. Whereas, exercise helps in muscle stretching so that they are less likely to spasm, tear and sprain.
FAQs
Diclofenac+metaxalone is a combination of two drugs: Diclofenac (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) and metaxalone (skeletal muscle relaxant). Diclofenac works by blocking the action of certain chemical messengers that cause pain. Metaxalone works by blocking the pain sensations and nerve impulses. Together, Diclofenac+metaxalone helps in relieving pain due to muscle spasm.
Diclofenac+metaxalone may impair mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of heavy tasks like operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle, especially when combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants (sleeping pills or antianxiety pills).
Do not take Diclofenac+metaxalone for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor as it might increase the risk of heart problems, liver problems and stomach bleeding/ulcer. Consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Diclofenac+metaxalone for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Diclofenac+metaxalone.
Consult your doctor before taking Diclofenac+metaxalone if you have stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, liver problems or heart problems.
Do not use Diclofenac+metaxalone after expiry. Expiry refers to the last date that the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of the drug. Check the expiry date from time-to-time and properly discard Diclofenac+metaxalone after expiry or return it to your pharmacist for proper disposal.
