Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone
About
Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone belongs to the group of medicines called muscle relaxants indicated for the relief of painful skeletal muscle spasms. Pain is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Muscle spasms are the involuntary contractions of muscles which can be painful. Musculoskeletal pain affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves.
Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone is a combination of two drugs: Nimesulide (NSAID) and Chlorzoxazone (Muscle relaxant). Nimesulide works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins which are responsible for pain and inflammation. Chlorzoxazone acts on the brain and spinal cord centres where it inhibits multisynaptic reflex involved in muscle spasms, thereby providing relief from skeletal muscle spasms or stiffness. Together, Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone helps in relieving musculoskeletal pain.
You are advised to take Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone may cause common side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and stomach upset. 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. Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone as it could increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone may cause sleepiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects/interactions.
Uses of Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone
Medicinal Benefits
Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone is a combination of two drugs, namely: Nimesulide and Chlorzoxazone. Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone is used to relieve pain and stiffness caused by muscle strains and sprains. Nimesulide is an NSAID that inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins responsible for pain and inflammation. Chlorzoxazone is a muscle relaxant that acts on the brain and spinal cord centres, where it inhibits the multisynaptic reflex involved in muscle spasms, thereby providing relief from skeletal muscle spasms or stiffness. Together, Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone helps in relieving pain due to muscle spasms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness
- Stomach upset
- Heart burn or abdominal cramps
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you have bronchospasm, asthma or breathing problems, gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, coagulation or bleeding problems and severe heart problems. Inform your doctor if you have heart, kidney or liver impairment. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone is not recommended for children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone as it could increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone may cause sleepiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Stop taking Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone 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 Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone unless prescribed.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone may interact with blood thinners (warfarin), hypnotics (zolpidem), anti-depressant (duloxetine, escitalopram), antihistamines (diphenhydramine, cetirizine), anti-convulsant (pregabalin, topiramate), anti-hypertensive (metoprolol), pain killers (acetaminophen, hydrocodone), anti-anxiety (alprazolam), anti-psychotic (lithium), diuretic (furosemide), other muscle relaxants ( carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have bronchospasm, asthma or breathing problems, gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, coagulation or bleeding problems, heart, kidney, or liver dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionNimesulide+chlorzoxazone may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionNimesulide+chlorzoxazone is not recommended 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
unsafeNimesulide+chlorzoxazone should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone may rarely cause your urine to turn orange or reddish-purple. This effect is harmless and will disappear when the medication is stopped.
- If you experience bloody or tarry stools, stop using Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone and consult a doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Musculoskeletal pain: Musculoskeletal pain affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. It can be acute or chronic and can be localised or widespread. The pain can be mild or severe enough to interfere with your daily routine. Musculoskeletal pain could occur due to arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures, dislocations, problems with the bone structure or injury to the bones, joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of musculoskeletal pain include stiffness, swelling, redness, weakness, muscle spasms or twitching, trouble moving the affected area, soreness, and cracking or popping sound at the joints.
FAQs
Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone contains Nimesulide and Chlorzoxazone. Nimesulide works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins responsible for pain and inflammation. Chlorzoxazone acts on the brain and spinal cord centres, where it inhibits the multisynaptic reflex involved in muscle spasms, thereby providing relief from skeletal muscle spasms. Together, Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone helps in relieving musculoskeletal pain.
Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone is generally prescribed for short-term use. Avoid taking Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor, as it could lead to unpleasant side effects and liver damage. Use the minimum effective dose for the shortest duration of time.
Do not take Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone along with other painkiller medicines unless prescribed by the doctor, as it can lead to unpleasant side effects and can increase the risk of stomach bleeding associated with NSAIDs.
Physical therapy helps relieve muscle spasms. Therefore, proper rest and physical therapy are recommended to enhance and complement treatment with Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone. Drink enough fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you experience severe diarrhoea or if you find blood in stools.
Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone contains Nimesulide, an NSAID, which can enhance the activity of anticoagulant drugs leading to an increased risk of bleeding complications. Therefore, it is not recommended to take anti-coagulants along with Nimesulide+chlorzoxazone unless told by the doctor.