Home Drug Guide Chlormezanone

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Chlormezanone

Brand Names Trancopal

Classification

Therapeutic: Muscle Relaxant, Sedative

Pharmacological: Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant, GABA-A receptor modulator

FDA Approved Indications

  • Muscle relaxation in conditions associated with muscular spasms and tension

Mechanism of Action

Chlormezanone exerts a sedative and muscle relaxing effect by depressant action on the CNS, possibly involving GABAergic pathways, although the precise mechanism is not fully understood.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically, 200-400 mg daily in divided doses. Dose should be adjusted based on clinical response and tolerability.

Pediatric: Not recommended due to lack of safety and efficacy data.

Geriatric: Use with caution; start at lower doses due to increased sensitivity to CNS depressants.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dosage accordingly, caution advised.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body fluids and tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in the urine.

Half Life: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to chlormezanone or related compounds.
  • Severe hepatic impairment.

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in patients with a history of drug abuse.
  • Potential for dependency and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Caution in patients with depression or suicidal tendencies.
  • Pregnancy and lactation: Use only if clearly needed; consult healthcare provider.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Drowsiness, dizziness (Common)
  • Nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash and anaphylaxis (Rare)
  • Potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms (Uncommon)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids) may enhance sedative effects.
  • CYP450 enzyme inhibitors or inducers may alter metabolism of chlormezanone.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor patient for effectiveness, CNS depression, and signs of adverse reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for injury related to dizziness or sedation.
  • Impaired sleep pattern.

Implementation: Administer medication as prescribed. Caution patients about activities requiring alertness.

Evaluation: Assess for relief of muscle spasms and reduction in anxiety or tension.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
  • Do not abruptly discontinue medication to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
  • Report any allergic reactions or severe side effects.
  • Caution when driving or operating machinery until response is known.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for dependence and withdrawal; avoid prolonged use.
  • Use with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse.

Genetic Factors: Not well studied.

Lab Test Interference: None reported.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Marked sedation, respiratory depression, coma.

Treatment: Supportive care: airway management, respiratory support, activated charcoal if ingestion was recent, and monitoring in a healthcare setting. No specific antidote.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.