Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking lorzone as follows:
- Lorzone only helps with relieving muscle spasms, probably by depressing the brain and inhibiting the conduction of nerve impulses from the brain to the skeletal muscles. Lorzone only temporarily relieves the spasms but does not fix the actual condition causing the muscle spasms and so, is not a permanent cure. Continue taking lorzone as ordered, even if you experience relief from muscle pain and spasms, until your physician orders for the discontinuation on the medication.
- Your physician could change the dose of lorzone, based on the response you show, relief obtained, and side-effects presented with. So, maintain compliance with follow-up physician appointments and be accommodative to the plan of dose changes, until you show an optimum response.
- Notify your doctor of any unresolving muscle spasms, progressively worsening muscle pain and discomfort, compromised range of motion in the involved muscle groups, and any continuing or worsening unpleasant side-effects, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised.
- Lorzone is mainly metabolized inside the body by the liver and is excreted out of the body in the urine by the kidneys. If liver is deficient, metabolism of the drug could be compromised, which can result in higher concentrations of the drug in the body for longer periods of time. If kidney function is deficient, elimination of the drug could be compromised, which also can result in higher concentrations of the drug in the body for longer periods of time. Either case can contribute to toxicity and consequent side-effects. So, for individuals with history of compromised hepatic and/or renal function, lorzone could either be avoided for a safer alternative or used with caution, with close monitoring for symptoms of toxicity with lorzone. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of hepatic and/or renal function compromise, if any, to be certain regarding your safety with intake of lorzone.
- Lorzone can also induce hepatic dysfunction and liver toxicity, leading to fatal liver failure. Individuals can present with symptoms of liver failure, such as, jaundice with yellowing of skin and eyes, itching of skin, upper right abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting, confusion and disorientation, fluid retention in the body with swelling, and compromised appetite. Lorzone could best be avoided for a safer alternative or used with extra caution with close watch for signs and symptoms of liver failure in individuals with history of compromised liver function.
- 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, which can result in toxicity. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
