Cyclobenzaprine

Information about Cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting muscle relaxant closely related to the tricyclic antidepressants. 

Liver safety of Cyclobenzaprine

Despite its similarity to tricyclic antidepressants, there is little evidence that cyclobenzaprine causes liver injury.

Mechanism of action of Cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine (sye" kloe ben' za preen) is a tricyclic antidepressant derivative that relaxes skeletal muscle by an unknown mechanism of action.  Cyclobenzaprine is also a central nervous system depressant, and its efficacy may be related to its sedative effects.  Cyclobenzaprine is used for the treatment of painful muscle spasms from acute muscle conditions. 

Dosage and administration for Cyclobenzaprine

The recommended dosage in adults is 5 to 10 mg three times daily for 3 to 4 weeks.  Cyclobenzaprine is available in tablets of 5 and 10 mg in multiple generic forms and under the trade names of Flexeril, Flexamid and Amrix.  Extended release capsules of 15 and 30 mg are also available. 

FDA approval information for Cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine was approved for use in the United States in 1977 and it remains widely used with more than 10 million prescriptions filled yearly.  It is usually administered for limited periods of time. 

Side effects of Cyclobenzaprine

Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness and headache.

Muscle relaxants

• Baclofen
• Carisoprodol
• Chlorzoxazone
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Dantrolene
• Metaxalone
• Methocarbamol
• Orphenadrine
• Tizanidine

• Dailymed label info on Cyclobenzaprine
• FDA Cyclobenzaprine