Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking metaxalone as follows:
- Metaxalone use, especially when taken in high doses, carries the risk of causing depression of the brain and central nervous system. Respiratory center in the brain could be inhibited with metaxalone use, leading to slowing down of respirations and irregular breathing pattern. This can result in reduced gas exchange with elevated carbon-di-oxide and reduced oxygen levels in the body. Metaxalone should be administered with extreme caution in individuals with history of respiratory disorders, such as, asthma and COPD, as they stand high risk to present with depression of respiratory center with the medication. Low oxygen levels in the body with elevated carbon-di-oxide levels can contribute to altered levels of consciousness, sedation, slow & shallow breathing, severely compromised endurance and exercise tolerance, extreme fatigue, and development of seizures. Individuals with history of respiratory disorders must observe compliance with prescribed inhaler and nebulizer medications, if any. Report any new development or exacerbation of the above mentioned findings to your physician, to facilitate an appropriate change in your plan of care.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose, as it can lead to toxicity with the drug. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
