Question

1.      What is the difference between a centrally acting relaxant versus a direct-acting relaxant and give examples of each? What schedule drug are they?

2.      An athlete comes up to you complaining of a “tight back” and says that he usually gets Flexeril from his family doctor when this happens. What is the appropriate next step you should take as an ATC, being that this is the first time you have seen the athlete regarding this problem?

Answer 1

1 Centrally acting agents inhibit neurons of the CNS.They work in the brain and spinal cord and interfere with cycle of muscle spasm and pain.

while direct -acting agents work at the level of the neuro muscular junction and skeletal muscles.They enter into muscle fibres directly .

2.Flexeril 5mg should be used for relief of painful muscle spasm along with rest and physical therapy and should be used only for short periods of time,usually 2-3 weeks.Therefore

• Monitor the patient response to the drug.
• Monitor for Improvement in muscle spasm and relief of pain.
• Monitor for improvement in muscle spasticity.