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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Over-the-counter muscle relaxers imply groups of spasmolytic drugs that reduce pain, spasms and strain in the skeletal muscles, and can be purchased without being prescribed by a medical professional. The current article provides a brief account of some OTC muscle relaxants along with their brand names and common usage. Muscle relaxers are drugs that alleviate pain, stiffness, swelling, or any kind of discomfort due to sprains, muscle spasms, muscle injuries and muscular disorders. They do not heal injuries or defects but help in relaxing the muscles, thereby relieving pain. Muscle relaxers include the following two categories of drugs depending on their mode of action:Spasmolytics: These are also known as centrally acting muscle relaxants, as they act through the central nervous system to reduce muscle stiffness and muscle pain.Neuromuscular-blocking agents: These drugs act via the peripheral nervous system at the neuromuscular junctions, and paralyze the skeletal muscles. They are generally used in conjunction with anesthetics during various surgical procedures.The term ‘muscle relaxers’ generally implies spasmolytic drugs, a few of which are available as non-prescription drugs in certain non-US countries. Given below are a few commonly used muscle relaxants. The availability status of each drug varies from country to country.Muscle Relaxers Available OTC Over-the-counter muscle relaxer medications include a group of different drugs that can be purchased without the prescription from a medical expert. Such OTC muscle relaxants are often used for relief from back pain as well as muscle spasms, strain and cramps.Although available as prescription drugs in most countries, the following muscle relaxants are allowed to be sold as non-prescription drugs in certain countries.Orphenadrine Brand NamesNorflex, Norgesic, Nurasic, Norphen, Nabesac, Muscol It is available as over-the-counter tablets and oral solutions in Belgium, Canada, Thailand and Mexico. It is often prescribed for alleviating the muscle pain arising due to injury, sprain, spasms and sciatica. It acts by blocking the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, thus reducing pain. It is also available in a combination with other active ingredients like paracetamol (acetaminophen). Methocarbamol Brand NamesRobaxin, Robaxisal It is available in Canada and Mexico as OTC, and is used to deal with muscle spasms and muscle rigidity, as well as for relief from acute muscle pain. It is available as single-ingredient tablets or in combination with analgesics like aspirin. However, prolonged intake of this medicine is not advisable. Prescription Muscle Relaxers Almost all the muscle relaxers are prescription drugs. These drugs may cause adverse effects leading to cardiac and hepatic problems in certain individuals. It is imperative to consider the medical history, risks and age, before deciding the drug and the dosage. Hence, in most of the countries, including USA, their availability is strictly prescription-based.Tizanidine Brand NameZanflex This muscle relaxant is prescribed for spasms and increased muscle tone due to ailments like multiple sclerosis, stroke as well as brain or spinal cord injury. It is also used as part of the treatment for fibromyalgia, and is available in the tablet and capsule forms. Metaxalone Brand NameSkelaxin It is used in the treatment of skeletal muscle
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