What are the muscle relaxants?

Apr 21, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

Clinically, commonly used muscle relaxants include eperisone hydrochloride tablets (brand name: Myonal®) and tizanidine hydrochloride tablets. Both of these muscle relaxants are frequently prescribed in clinical practice. They are typically indicated for early-stage lumbar vertebral fractures associated with lumbar muscle strain, lumbar sprain, lumbar and dorsal muscle spasm, and pain. They may also be used in the management of lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal tumors.

As people age, most experience muscle laxity, which can make them appear older. What medications are available for muscle relaxation?

Commonly Used Muscle Relaxants

Clinically, commonly prescribed muscle relaxants include eperisone hydrochloride tablets (brand name: Myonal®) and tizanidine hydrochloride tablets. Both agents are frequently used in clinical practice. They are typically indicated for early-stage lumbar vertebral fractures causing lumbar muscle strain, lumbar sprain, lumbar and dorsal muscle spasm, and associated pain. They may also be used in cases of lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal tumors, and tuberculosis-related low back pain accompanied by muscle tension.

Eperisone hydrochloride tablets have relatively few clinical side effects. The standard dosage is one tablet per administration, taken two to three times daily, for a treatment duration of one to two weeks. Tizanidine hydrochloride tablets come in various strengths, and dosing must be adjusted accordingly. However, clinically, tizanidine hydrochloride tends to produce more adverse effects—particularly nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. After taking either of these muscle relaxants, patients should avoid activities requiring alertness and coordination, such as working at heights or driving.

Muscle laxity may result from poor dietary and lifestyle habits. It is commonly observed in patients with disuse atrophy—for example, following traumatic brain injury, prolonged bed rest after surgery, or progressive inactivity leading to gradual muscle wasting and relaxation. Disuse atrophy may also occur due to impaired neural support, such as after trauma, nerve transection, or other nerve injuries where the nerves controlling limb movement fail to regenerate promptly or receive insufficient rehabilitative exercise.

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What are the side effects of muscle relaxants?

Side effects of muscle relaxants include effects on nervous system function, respiratory system function, cardiovascular system function, and digestive system function. They may cause drug dependence and affect nerve conduction. They can increase pulmonary circulation resistance and lead to coughing. They may trigger histamine release, affecting the cardiovascular system and causing arrhythmias and hypotension. They can also impair digestive system function, resulting in diarrhea and nausea.

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How is surgery for pelvic floor muscle relaxation performed?

Pelvic floor muscle relaxation can be treated with surgical or non-surgical methods, but non-surgical treatments are generally preferred in clinical practice. Non-surgical approaches to tighten the pelvic floor muscles include Kegel exercises, supine knee-bend bridging exercises, bed-based training techniques, and cat-cow breathing. Non-surgical treatment can restore the tone of the pelvic floor muscles through methods such as Kegel exercises and yoga.