Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which medication works by directly preventing muscle contraction through the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum?
Which medication works by directly preventing muscle contraction through the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum?
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?
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?
Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of Zanaflex?
Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of Zanaflex?
Which of these medications is a traditional DMARD that functions by inhibiting folate and suppressing immune function?
Which of these medications is a traditional DMARD that functions by inhibiting folate and suppressing immune function?
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A patient taking a biologic DMARD should be monitored closely for which of the following side effects?
A patient taking a biologic DMARD should be monitored closely for which of the following side effects?
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Which of the following best describes the action of Botox?
Which of the following best describes the action of Botox?
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Which medication works by inhibiting purine synthesis to suppress the immune system and may cause bone marrow issues and gastrointestinal effect?
Which medication works by inhibiting purine synthesis to suppress the immune system and may cause bone marrow issues and gastrointestinal effect?
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Which of the following is a common side effect of Diazepam?
Which of the following is a common side effect of Diazepam?
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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)
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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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Description
This quiz covers various muscle relaxants and their effects on conditions like spasticity and muscle spasms. Learn about specific medications including Diazepam, Baclofen, and Polysynaptic Inhibitors. Test your knowledge on their mechanisms, uses, and potential side effects.
