Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Metaxalone as follows:
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- Metaxalone use, on empty stomach, can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking dose of metaxalone with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Metaxalone can also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation.
Hematologic side-effects
- Metaxalone intake can sometimes result in breakdown of red blood cells in the circulation. Patients can present with symptoms of anemia, such as pale skin and mucous membranes, exacerbation of shortness of breath, dizziness due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain, and weakness.
- Damaged red blood cells also contribute to elevated bilirubin pigment in the blood, thus contributing to findings of jaundice with yellow discoloration of the sclera (white) of the eye and yellowing of the urine.
