Muscle relaxants are medications that relax the human striated muscles. Muscle relaxants are drugs that reduce the tone of skeletal muscles, thereby reducing a person’s motor activity, up to complete immobilization. Until a certain time, they were widely used exclusively in anesthesiological practice to relieve muscle tone during operations. Today, the scope of use of muscle relaxants in medicine and aesthetic cosmetology has expanded significantly.
Types of muscle relaxants
Based on the mechanism of action, there are two main types of muscle relaxants:
Central muscle relaxants are drugs that inhibit the central structures of muscle tone. These chemicals have a direct effect on the parts of the central nervous system, brain and spinal cord that are involved in the regulation of muscle tone. Peripheral muscle relaxants are agents that penetrate into direct neuromuscular transmission. These medications relax voluntary muscles by blocking the signal from the motor nerve to the muscle.
Medical certificate
The course of some diseases (for example, osteochondrosis, neuralgia, coxarthrosis, herniated disc) is often accompanied by an increase in muscle tone. Their unnatural activity leads to pinched nerve endings, which causes severe pain. It becomes difficult for a person to move and lead a normal lifestyle. Treatment of this condition is usually complex and necessarily involves the use of muscle relaxants. In combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications, they help relieve pain and relieve muscle spasms. The specific medications, their dosage and duration of use are selected by the doctor.
Principle of action and scope of application of muscle relaxants
Based on their chemical structure, centrally acting muscle relaxants can be divided as follows:
- Glycerol derivatives - Meprotan, Isoprotan, Prenderol and others.
- Benzimidazole derivatives – Flexin and so on.
- A group of mixed muscle relaxants - Mydocalm, Baclofen, Fenaglycodol and others.
Central muscle relaxants block polysynaptic reflexes by inhibiting the activity of interneurons of the spinal cord, while they have virtually no effect on monosynaptic reflex actions. Along with the central relaxing effect, muscle relaxants are also endowed with other types of effects, due to which they are widely used in medical practice:
- in neurology for diseases accompanied by increased muscle tone;
- for diseases with impaired motor activity of patients;
- in surgery to relax the abdominal muscles;
- for complex hardware diagnostics of certain diseases;
- during electroconvulsive therapy;
- in anesthesiology without stopping natural breathing;
- for the prevention of post-traumatic complications and so on.
Peripheral muscle relaxants are divided into:
- Non-depolarizing - Arduan, Tubocurarine chloride, Mellictin, Pipecuronium, Diplacin and others.
- Depolarizing - Ditilin and so on.
- Mixed muscle relaxants - Dixonium and many others.
All of them have an effect on the cholinergic receptors of skeletal muscles, so they are used for local relaxation of muscle tissue, as well as reducing pain and muscle spasms. They gently relieve muscle tone during microsurgical interventions and reposition of bone fragments, and facilitate tracheal intubation. Muscle relaxants with a peripheral mechanism of action create conditions for immobilization during straightening of dislocations and in drug therapy for sprains, during endoscopic manipulations and artificial hypothermia.
Rating of the best muscle relaxants for relieving muscle spasms for 2021
Baclofen
According to buyers, Baclofen, a drug related to the type of central action, has proven itself well. It is produced in the form of small tablets, which have a score mark on them, allowing the medication to be divided in half. The main active ingredient is baclofen, its functionality is aimed at reducing the excitability of nerve fibers, inhibiting interneurons and suppressing impulse transmission. Baclofen remarkably reduces muscle spindle tension without affecting neuromuscular transmission. Indications for use include muscle spasticity, relief of painful spasms, relief from clonic seizures, and relief from massage and exercise. The initial minimum dose is 15 mg per day, divided into three doses. The maximum dose should be no more than 25 mg. Some buyers have noted an interesting feature of the medication: it causes drowsiness, which is not very good if you are about to drive, but great if you have previously had insomnia. After the first use, you immediately feel the muscles begin to relax, but this stage proceeds differently for everyone.
You can purchase it at a price of 300 rubles per package containing 50 tablets.
Baclofen
Advantages:
- Suitable for back with osteochondrosis;
- Gives muscles relaxation;
- Helps with sleep disorders;
- Calming effect;
- Affordable price;
- Improves mood;
- Small tablet size.
Flaws:
- Many contraindications;
- There is a mild narcotic effect.
Chlorzoxazone
For acute and painful sensations in the musculoskeletal system, Chlorzoxazone has proven itself well. Available in tablet form. Indications for use: treatment of skeletal muscle spasms. If there are liver dysfunctions, then taking Chlorzoxazone will be contraindicated. There is no clear recommendation for pregnant and lactating women; no studies have been conducted on the drug in this direction, so Chlorzoxazone can only be taken if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is a centrally acting muscle relaxant, so its effectiveness operates at the level of the spinal cord. When using the product, you should not drive a car, because side effects may include drowsiness and dizziness. The dosage regimen is selected by the doctor individually. On average, for an adult the dose will be from 250 to 750 mg, and for a child - from 125 to 500 mg. Reception is carried out 3-4 times a day.
The drug is difficult to find in pharmacies; sales are most often carried out by pre-order, so the cost must be clarified. Medicines that contain Chlorzoxazone include Miolgin (price from 230 rubles) and Acetazone forte.
Chlorzoxazone
Advantages:
- Relieves acute and painful sensations of the musculoskeletal system;
- Eliminates muscle spasm;
- Improves mood;
- Can be used for children;
- Reduces the tone of skeletal muscles;
- Suitable for relieving back spasms.
Flaws:
- Anaphylactic reactions may occur;
- Difficult to find on sale.
Mydocalm
Another centrally acting muscle relaxant is mydocalm. Available in the form of round, convex white tablets with a characteristic aroma. The main active ingredient tolperisone hydrochloride has significant activity on nervous tissue and inhibits spinal reflex arcs well. Indications for use include the treatment of spasticity in adults after stroke, the treatment of painful muscle tightness, Little's disease and other similar conditions. Contraindications include pregnancy, lactation, children under 3 years of age, as well as hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Typically, the recommended dose of 150-450 mg should be divided into three doses. The drug is often prescribed for osteochondrosis, as it relieves pain well and helps relieve neck spasms and back pain. The medicinal product is available in dosages of 50 and 150 mg.
Cost: from 370 to 600 rubles.
Mydocalm
Advantages:
- Suitable for relieving neck spasms and relieving back spasms;
- Reduces the tone of skeletal muscles;
- Quick effect;
- Improves spinal mobility;
- Helps with pinched nerves.
Flaws:
- May negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- May cause nausea and drowsiness.
Tolperil
A good medicine aimed at reducing muscle hypertonicity is Tolperil. It has an excellent antispasmodic effect and is produced by the manufacturer in tablet form. The product is also available in the form of an injection solution. The use of Tolperil makes it possible to reduce muscle tone, stop muscle contractures and eliminate spasms. The medicine is prescribed for hypertension and convulsions provoked by the central nervous system (stroke, sclerosis, etc.), diseases of the musculoskeletal system, for recovery from various injuries. The dosage regimen and duration of treatment are determined by the doctor, but usually the daily dose of the drug for people over 14 years of age varies from 150 to 450 mg. The volume of the medicine is divided into three doses per day, preferably taken after meals, washed down only with boiled water. If you take the medicine on an empty stomach, its biological component decreases. Children can take Tolperil, but only after 6 years and according to medical prescription.
You can buy from 250 rubles and above for 30 tablets.
Tolperil
Advantages:
- Suitable for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis and back pain;
- High efficiency;
- Affordable price;
- Release form in two variations;
- Relieves hypertension and cramps.
Flaws:
- Side effects were reported in 2% of patients;
- Difficult to buy at the pharmacy.
Sirdalud
Sirdalud perfectly eliminates muscle spasms. The main active ingredient is tizanidine hydrochloride. It is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that eliminates excess muscle tone and relieves pain symptoms. By reducing spasticity and cramps, the range of active movements increases and so-called passive movements decrease. In addition, Sirdalud has a slight analgesic effect. Due to this effect, it becomes easier to fall asleep and the body relaxes as much as possible. Indications for use are wide, including painful muscle spasms in various diseases and spasticity of skeletal muscles in neuralgia. Often, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle experience a “jammed” back, and then Sirdalud can help perfectly, no worse than special injections. Sometimes back or neck pain occurs during long flights, and then taking medication can alleviate the situation. The dose is adjusted depending on the patient's needs, but usually 2 or 4 mg three times a day is required to relieve muscle spasm. A distinctive property of Sirdalud is that it increases the functionality of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Price: from 220 to 600 rubles.
Sirdalud
Advantages:
- Remarkably copes with painful muscle spasms;
- Affect motor neurons;
- Ideal for the back with osteochondrosis;
- Reduce the tone of skeletal muscles;
- Suitable for relieving leg spasms;
- Suitable for a sedentary lifestyle.
Flaws:
- Extensive list of side effects.
Tizanil
Tizanil is a drug that suppresses the release of excitatory amino acids, resulting in the suppression of polysynaptic transmission of excitation. This means that muscle tone begins to decrease and painful muscle contraction is released. Doctors often prescribe tizanil for spasticity of skeletal muscles, which occurs in various types of neurotic diseases. The medication is also good after surgery and for diseases of the spine. For severe muscle pain, prescribe 2-4 mg three times a day, and in especially severe cases, an additional amount of the same amount. Tizanil has side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, stomach upsets and decreased blood pressure. In rare cases, hallucinations are possible. Tizanil is strictly forbidden for children; it can only be taken by those over 18 years of age.
Cost: from 140 rubles.
Tizanil
Advantages:
- Budget price;
- Effective;
- Suitable for muscle relaxation;
- Eliminates painful spasms;
- Can be used to relieve jaw spasms.
Flaws:
- Not for children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people with impaired liver function.
Spasmol
Spasmol is a myotropic antispasmodic. It is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of smooth muscle spasms (they occur with problems with the gastrointestinal tract), spasms of cerebral vessels, spasms of peripheral vessels and other cases. Dosage regimen for adults: 40-80 mg (1-2 tablets) 2-3 times a day. For children, the dosage is several times less and is selected by the attending physician. It is noteworthy that spasmol is highly valued by women, because it can help with strong compression in the abdominal area during menstruation. The product is cheap, so it is very popular among the people, but before buying you need to remember that antispasmodic has serious contraindications. For example, AV block II and III degrees, renal failure and heart failure. In addition, it is contraindicated in cases of severe liver failure.
You can buy from 40 rubles.
Spasmol
Advantages:
- The most affordable price;
- Helps with women's ailments;
- Relieves brain spasms;
- Eliminates spasms in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Flaws:
- There are serious contraindications.
Ardoin
For bruxism during dental procedures, Ardoin is often prescribed to relieve jaw spasms. Its pharmacological action is aimed at blocking signal transmission from nerve endings to muscle fibers. In addition to bruxism, indications for use are endotracheal intubation and relaxation of skeletal muscles during various surgical interventions, when half-an-hour muscle relaxation is required. This is a non-depolarizing mylorelaxant, produced in the form of a solution; it can only be used intravenously in freshly prepared form. Prescribed for children over 14 years of age and adults. For children under 14 years of age, the dosage is prescribed by a doctor, depending on the disease or procedure. Side effects include muscle weakness, drowsiness, respiratory depression and other symptoms. But they occur rarely and usually account for one case out of a hundred. Please note that the drug is used most often in a hospital or operating room.
Arduan is sold at a price of 1,750 rubles.
Ardoin
Advantages:
- Provides a muscle relaxant effect;
- Used in the treatment of bruxism during dental procedures;
- Reduces the tone of skeletal muscles.
Flaws:
- High price.
Tizanidin-teva
For aches in the collar area, nagging pain in the arms and legs, and painful compression of skeletal muscles, Tizanidin-Teva helps well. Release form: snow-white tablets with a score line on one side. The main active ingredient is tizanidine hydrochloride. Pharmacological functionality includes reducing increased skeletal muscle tone, reducing muscle resistance during passive movements and increasing the strength of voluntary contractions. Tizanidin-teva is most often prescribed due to the spastic state of skeletal muscles. To eliminate an unpleasant, painful spasm, the medication is used at a dose of 2-4 mg 3 times a day. For other symptoms, the dosage is selected individually, but it is important to remember that it is forbidden to exceed the dose of 36 mg per day. In rare cases, side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, insomnia and muscle weakness have been reported.
You can buy from 140 rubles.
Tizanidin-teva
Advantages:
- Fast efficiency;
- Inexpensive;
- The tablets last a long time;
- To relieve neck spasms;
- Helps against cervical osteochondrosis.
Flaws:
- Although the side effects include insomnia, most often patients complain of drowsiness.
Possible effects of muscle relaxants
Having a significant effect on the central nervous system, muscle relaxants can cause the following consequences for human health and well-being:
- lethargy and apathy;
- drowsiness;
- dizziness;
- nausea and vomiting;
- headache;
- arterial hypotension;
- muscle microdamage;
- convulsions and so on.
Long-term use of muscle relaxants leads to addiction and drug dependence on them. This group of medications is not recommended for use by persons whose occupation is associated with concentration and high reaction, as well as by children and adolescents.
Muscle relaxants should be used only as prescribed by a doctor, with great caution in the presence of contraindications and intolerance to certain components, as well as in chronic and severe diseases. Assessing the effectiveness of these drugs, interactions with other drugs and adjusting their doses should also be carried out by a qualified medical specialist.
Proper administration of muscle relaxants reduces the risk of possible consequences for the human body. Due to the frequent complications of these drugs, short-acting muscle relaxant drugs are predominantly used in clinical practice.
How do muscle relaxants work?
Muscle pain or muscle spasm directly affects joint mobility, blocking and reducing their activity. The result is a complete lack of movement.
This phenomenon is especially pronounced against the background of developing osteochondrosis, since the spasm completely blocks the optimal functioning of the muscle fiber.
Treatment in this case takes quite a long time. A muscle relaxant is an opportunity to normalize a person’s general well-being, as well as moderate developing inflammation. The mechanism of action of muscle relaxants involves blocking the nerve receptors of all muscles.
Action of muscle relaxants
Overdose
In case of a normal overdose of any of the muscle relaxant drugs, it is necessary to perform artificial respiration until it is restored. In addition, an antidote is very carefully injected into the vein - Physostigmine, Salicylate, Neo Eserine . All this is done with strict control of blood pressure.
In the future, it is necessary to inject plasma-substituting solutions and oxygen breathing. Symptomatic therapy is necessary, which is aimed at restoring cardiovascular failure.
Natural muscle relaxants
Alternative therapy is natural. Natural plants contain natural substances that have this effect on muscles.
It also allows you to reduce pain if you use the beneficial properties of muscle relaxants of plant origin:
- Peppermint oil. It has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces pain and promotes blood circulation. A small amount of it should be rubbed into the area of muscle tension. Then apply a slight massaging movement on the affected area for at least 5 minutes.
- Valerian. Its properties can calm and relieve the inflammatory process at the site of the lesion, as well as produce oxygenation. To use valerian as a muscle relaxant, you need to prepare a drink - 10 drops of infusion. Take at least 500 ml per day.
- Epsom salts. The mineral helps reduce pain, reduce inflammation and relax muscles due to its high magnesium content. The use of salt, possibly in the form of baths. To do this, you need to dissolve 100 g of salt in water. The course lasts 7 days, 20 minutes each.
