In professional practice, numerous medications are disguised as muscle relaxants; however, how many actually are true relaxants of peripheral muscle? In this discussion on the overall classes of muscle relaxants, we will endeavor to evaluate these medications based on respective mechanisms of action and truly decipher just what type of medications the stereotypical “muscle relaxants” are. We will also aim to improve patient care by providing a strategic thought process into the appropriate selection of these medications for use in patients with muscle spasticity and/or spasms. At the conclusion of our discussion, we will be able to declare that “The gig is up!” and reveal the true identity of these so-called muscle relaxants!
Learning Objectives:
Distinguish treatments of muscle spasticity versus muscle spasms
Summarize the unique individual characteristics of “muscle relaxants”
Recall the appropriate use and dosage of “muscle relaxants”
.jpg "Mark Garofoli, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, CPE photo")