Cyclobenzaprine

Generic Name: cyclobenzaprine

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride

DESCRIPTION Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, USP is a white, crystalline tricyclic amine salt with the empirical formula C 20 H 21 N•HCl and a molecular weight of 311.9. It has a melting point of 217˚C, and a pK a of 8.47 at 25˚C. It is freely soluble in water and alcohol, sparingly soluble in isopropanol, and insoluble in hydrocarbon solvents. If aqueous solutions are made alkaline, the free base separates.

Overview

DESCRIPTION Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, USP is a white, crystalline tricyclic amine salt with the empirical formula C 20 H 21 N•HCl and a molecular weight of 311.9. It has a melting point of 217˚C, and a pK a of 8.47 at 25˚C. It is freely soluble in water and alcohol, sparingly soluble in isopropanol, and insoluble in hydrocarbon solvents. If aqueous solutions are made alkaline, the free base separates.

Uses

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cyclobenzaprine HCl tablets USP are indicated as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Improvement is manifested by relief of muscle spasm and its associated signs and symptoms, namely, pain, tenderness, limitation of motion, and restriction in activities of daily living. Cyclobenzaprine HCl should be used only for short periods (up to two or three weeks) because adequate evidence of effectiveness for more prolonged use is not available and because muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions is generally of short duration and specific therapy for longer periods is seldom warranted.

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For most patients, the recommended dose of cyclobenzaprine HCl tablets USP is 5 mg three times a day. Based on individual patient response, the dose may be increased to 10 mg three times a day. Use of cyclobenzaprine HCl tablets USP for periods longer than two or three weeks is not recommended. (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE ). Less frequent dosing should be considered for hepatically impaired or elderly patients (see PRECAUTIONS , Impaired Hepatic Function , and Use in the Elderly ).

Side Effects

ADVERSE REACTIONS Incidence of most common adverse reactions in the 2 double-blind ‡ , placebo-controlled 5 mg studies (incidence of > 3% on cyclobenzaprine HCl tablets, 5 mg): Adverse reactions which were reported in 1% to 3% of the patients were: abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, irritability, mental acuity decreased, nervousness, upper respiratory infection, and pharyngitis. The following list of adverse reactions is based on the experience in 473 patients treated with cyclobenzaprine HCl tablets, 10 mg in additional controlled clinical studies, 7607 patients in the postmarketing surveillance program, and reports received since the drug was marketed.

Interactions

Drug Interactions Cyclobenzaprine HCl may have life-threatening interactions with MAO inhibitors. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS .) Postmarketing cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported during combined use of Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride and other drugs, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, tramadol, bupropion, meperidine, verapamil, or MAO inhibitors. If concomitant treatment with Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride and other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, careful observation is advised, particularly during treatment initiation or dose increases (see WARNINGS ). Cyclobenzaprine HCl may enhance the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants. Tricyclic antidepressants may block the antihypertensive action of guanethidine and similarly acting compounds.

Warnings

WARNINGS Serotonin Syndrome The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride when used in combination with other drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), tramadol, bupropion, meperidine, verapamil, or MAO inhibitors. The concomitant use of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride with MAO inhibitors is contraindicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ). CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or within 14 days after their discontinuation. Hyperpyretic crisis seizures, and deaths have occurred in patients receiving cyclobenzaprine (or structurally similar tricyclic antidepressants) concomitantly with MAO inhibitor drugs.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Pregnancy Category B: Reproduction studies have been performed in rats, mice and rabbits at doses up to 20 times the human dose, and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to cyclobenzaprine HCl. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Storage

STORAGE Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Rx Only Manufactured by: InvaGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a subsidiary of Cipla Ltd.) Hauppauge, NY 11788 Manufactured for: Cipla USA, Inc. 10 Independence Boulevard, Suite 300 Warren, NJ 07059 Revised: 05/2020

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cyclobenzaprine used for?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cyclobenzaprine HCl tablets USP are indicated as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Improvement is manifested by relief of muscle spasm and its associated signs and symptoms, namely, pain, tenderness, limitation of motion, and restriction in activities of daily living. Cyclobenzaprine HCl should be used only for short periods (up to two or three weeks) because adequate evidence of effectiveness for more prolonged use is not available and because muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions is generally of short duration and specific therapy for longer periods is seldom warranted.

What are the side effects of Cyclobenzaprine?

ADVERSE REACTIONS Incidence of most common adverse reactions in the 2 double-blind ‡ , placebo-controlled 5 mg studies (incidence of > 3% on cyclobenzaprine HCl tablets, 5 mg): Adverse reactions which were reported in 1% to 3% of the patients were: abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, irritability, mental acuity decreased, nervousness, upper respiratory infection, and pharyngitis. The following list of adverse reactions is based on the experience in 473 patients treated with cyclobenzaprine HCl tablets, 10 mg in additional controlled clinical studies, 7607 patients in the postmarketing surveillance program, and reports received since the drug was marketed.

Can I take Cyclobenzaprine during pregnancy?

Pregnancy Pregnancy Category B: Reproduction studies have been performed in rats, mice and rabbits at doses up to 20 times the human dose, and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to cyclobenzaprine HCl. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

What are the important warnings for Cyclobenzaprine?

WARNINGS Serotonin Syndrome The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride when used in combination with other drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), tramadol, bupropion, meperidine, verapamil, or MAO inhibitors. The concomitant use of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride with MAO inhibitors is contraindicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ). CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or within 14 days after their discontinuation. Hyperpyretic crisis seizures, and deaths have occurred in patients receiving cyclobenzaprine (or structurally similar tricyclic antidepressants) concomitantly with MAO inhibitor drugs.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.