Eperisone Hydrochloride
Indications
Eperisone is a muscle relaxant used to relieve:
- Muscle stiffness and spasm linked to neck and shoulder pain (cervical spondylosis), low back pain and frozen shoulder
- Spastic paralysis (muscle tightness) after stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy or other nerve conditions
How It Works
Eperisone acts on the spinal cord and brain to reduce overactive nerve signals that keep muscles tight. It also relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessel walls, improving blood flow to the muscles, and helps break the cycle of pain and spasm. It usually causes less drowsiness than many other muscle relaxants.
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dose is 50 mg three times a day after meals, as prescribed by a doctor. The dose may be adjusted depending on age and response. It is not usually recommended for children. Do not take more than prescribed.
Interactions
Taking it with Methocarbamol has been linked to eye focusing problems. Other medicines that cause drowsiness, such as sleeping tablets, sedating antihistamines, Tizanidine, Baclofen or alcohol, may increase drowsiness and dizziness. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
Contraindications
Do not take eperisone if you are allergic to it or any ingredient of the tablet.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness and headache
- Nausea, stomach upset, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation
- Weakness or a feeling of muscle tiredness
- Skin rash or itching
- Rarely, changes in liver or kidney tests, or difficulty passing urine
Stop taking it and get urgent medical help if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread rash), severe skin blistering, or signs of liver problems such as yellow eyes or skin and dark urine.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safety in pregnancy has not been established, so it should be used only if the doctor considers the benefit greater than the risk. Avoid breastfeeding while taking it, or use it only on medical advice.
Precautions and Warnings
It may cause drowsiness, weakness or dizziness; do not drive or operate machines if affected. Use with care in liver disease. Older people may need a lower dose. Stop and contact your doctor if muscle weakness becomes troublesome.
Overdose
Overdose may cause marked drowsiness, muscle weakness and dizziness. Contact a doctor or go to hospital; treatment is supportive.
Therapeutic Class
Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and 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.
All brands of Eperisone Hydrochloride