Indications
Mephenesin is a muscle relaxant. It is mainly used in creams, gels or sprays applied to the skin to relieve painful muscle spasm and stiffness, such as in back pain, neck stiffness, sprains, strains and minor sports injuries, often combined with other pain-relieving ingredients. Tablet forms have been used for short-term relief of painful muscle spasm.
How It Works
Mephenesin acts on the spinal cord and brain stem to reduce the nerve signals that keep muscles tightly contracted. This relaxes muscles in spasm, easing pain and improving movement. Applied to the skin, it acts locally on the underlying muscles.
Dosage and Administration
For creams or gels: apply a thin layer to the painful area and massage gently, usually two to three times a day, or as directed on the label. Do not apply to broken skin or cover with a tight bandage unless advised. Wash hands after use. Tablets should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor and for a short period.
Interactions
- Taken by mouth, it can increase drowsiness with alcohol, sleeping tablets, sedating antihistamines, opioid pain relievers and other muscle relaxants or calming medicines.
- With skin products, little is absorbed and interactions are unlikely; avoid using other rubs or heat products on the same area at the same time.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Mephenesin or any ingredient of the product.
- Broken, infected or inflamed skin (for topical products).
- For tablets: porphyria and myasthenia gravis, unless a doctor advises otherwise.
- Not recommended for children unless a doctor advises.
Side Effects
On the skin, redness, itching or a mild burning feeling may occur; allergic skin rashes are uncommon. Taken by mouth, it may cause drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and, rarely, allergic reactions.
Get urgent medical help if there is swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, a severe rash or blistering, extreme drowsiness, or slowed breathing after taking tablets.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Avoid tablets during this time, and use skin products only on small areas and on a doctor’s advice. Do not apply to the breast area.
Precautions and Warnings
- Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth and other sensitive areas.
- Tablets may cause drowsiness; do not drive or operate machinery if affected, and avoid alcohol.
- See a doctor if pain lasts more than a week, gets worse, or comes with numbness, weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Overdose
Swallowing a large amount, especially of tablets, can cause severe drowsiness, weakness, poor coordination, low blood pressure and slowed breathing. Seek emergency medical help. Too much cream on the skin mainly causes irritation; wash it off.
Therapeutic Class
Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, with the cap closed. Keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.