Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking chlorzoxazone as follows:
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your physician.
- Chlorzoxazone can induce some nausea and vomiting, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Chlorzoxazone can also induce extreme constipation and abdominal distention, leading to functional intestinal obstruction and abdominal pain. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.
- Chlorzoxazone use can result in episodes of confusion, dizziness, and light-headedness. Starting the medication at a low dose and gradually increasing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. Do not change the prescribed dose on this medication without consulting your physician. The dizziness should progressively decrease and ease out in due course of time. If the dizziness continues/worsens and becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by chlorzoxazone intake. Observing compliance with use of recommended assistive devices, such as, cane and walker can further safety during confused states. Avoiding quick changes in position can also contribute towards fall and accident prevention.
