Muscle Relaxants Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which medication works by directly preventing muscle contraction through the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum?

  • Dantrium (correct)
  • Diazepam (Valium)
  • Baclofen (Lioresal)
  • Zanaflex

A patient is experiencing muscle spasms as a result of a spinal cord injury. Which of the following medications would be most appropriate for short-term relief of spasticity?

  • Flerexin (correct)
  • Gabapentin
  • Methotrexate
  • Robaxin

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of Zanaflex?

  • Enhances the effects of GABA in the central nervous system causing sedation.
  • Inhibits polysynaptic reflexes to reduce muscle spasms.
  • Blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.
  • Acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist reducing neurotransmitter release in the spinal cord (correct)

Which of these medications is a traditional DMARD that functions by inhibiting folate and suppressing immune function?

<p>Methotrexate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking a biologic DMARD should be monitored closely for which of the following side effects?

<p>Infections (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the action of Botox?

<p>Blocks the release of acetylcholine to cause muscle paralysis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which medication works by inhibiting purine synthesis to suppress the immune system and may cause bone marrow issues and gastrointestinal effect?

<p>Imuran (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common side effect of Diazepam?

<p>Dependence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Polysynaptic Inhibitors

Inhibitory drugs that target polysynaptic reflexes, effectively reducing muscle spasms and pain. Examples include: Skelaxin, Robaxin, Soma, and Flerexin.

Diazepam (Valium)

A central nervous system depressant that enhances GABA effects, leading to relaxation and sedation. Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and potential for dependency.

Robaxin

A muscle relaxant used for short-term relief of muscle spasms and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Helps with acute musculoskeletal pain.

Baclofen (Lioresal)

A drug that works through spinal cord pathways to decrease muscle tone. It inhibits the release of various neurotransmitters, reducing muscle spasms and rigidity.

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Dantrium

A medication targeting the release of calcium, preventing muscle contractions. It is often used to treat Malignant Hyperthermia, a severe condition with uncontrolled body temperature rise.

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Methotrexate

A traditional DMARD used for rheumatoid arthritis. It functions by inhibiting folate, a crucial nutrient for cell growth, suppressing the immune system's activity.

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Sulfasalazine

A traditional DMARD used for rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking the production of chemicals that promote inflammation.

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Biological DMARDs

A type of drug designed to target specific parts of the immune system. They work by blocking certain molecules or pathways that cause inflammation. Biologics are prescribed when traditional DMARDs fail.

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Study Notes

Muscle Relaxants

  • Spasticity: A condition where muscles feel stiff and heavy.
  • Muscle Spasms: Involuntary tightening or contractions of muscles.
  • Polysynaptic Inhibitors: Medications that inhibit reflexes, reducing spasms and pain. Examples include Skelaxin, Robaxin, Soma, and Flerexin.
  • Diazepam (Valium): Depresses the central nervous system (CNS), enhancing GABA effects for relaxation and sedation. Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, sedation, weakness, confusion, and potential dependence.
  • Robaxin: Used for acute musculoskeletal conditions.
  • Flerexin: Used for short-term relief of muscle spasms and musculoskeletal issues.
  • Dantrium: Releases calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum preventing muscle contraction, a treatment for malignant hyperthermia.
  • Baclofen (Lioresal): Acts on the spinal cord by inhibiting GABA release and reducing excitatory neurotransmitters, decreasing muscle tone.
  • Gabapentin: Mechanism unknown; used to treat nerve pain. Side effects include edema, fatigue, ataxia (loss of coordination) and dizziness/drowsiness.

Other Muscle Relaxants

  • Zanaflex: An alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that inhibits neurotransmitter release in the spinal cord, reducing muscle tone. Used for short-term spasticity from conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injury. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, hypotension, weakness, and fatigue.
  • Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Blocks acetylcholine release causing muscle paralysis. Side effects include flu-like symptoms, headache, muscle weakness, and paralysis to non-targeted muscles.

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

  • Traditional DMARDS: Often have liver toxicity as a side effect.
    • Methotrexate: Inhibits folate and suppresses immune function; commonly used for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
    • Sulfasalazine: Blocks cells that cause inflammation.
    • Plaquenil: An antimalaria drug suppressing T cell function; common side effect is eye issues.
    • Arava: Inhibits pyrimidine synthesis, suppressing T and B cell production.
    • Imuran: A purine synthesis inhibitor suppressing the immune system. Side effects include bone marrow and gastrointestinal issues.
  • Biological DMARDS: Target specific molecules and pathways causing inflammation and tissue damage. Used if traditional DMARDS fail. Side effects include infections, allergic reactions, cancer, GI upset, rash, weakness, and fatigue. Patients should be immunized before taking biologics.
  • TNF Inhibitors: (Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors) Common examples include Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, Simponi, and Cimzia.

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