Murex
Murex Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Murex is a short-acting drug for the management of spasticity. Murex is an agonist at α2-adrenergic receptor sites and presumably reduces spasticity by increasing presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons. In animal models, tizanidine has no direct effect on skeletal muscle fibers or the neuromuscular junction, and no major effect on monosynaptic spinal reflexes. The effects of tizanidine are greatest on polysynaptic pathways. The overall effect of these actions is thought to reduce facilitation of spinal motor neurons.
A note on spasticity
Spasticity is an increase in muscle accompanied by uncontrolled, repetitive contractions of skeletal muscles which are involuntary.The patient suffering from muscle spasticity may have reduced mobility and high levels of pain, contributing to poor quality of life and problems performing activities of personal hygiene and care .
General effects
Trade Name | Murex |
Availability | Prescription only |
Generic | Tizanidine |
Tizanidine Other Names | Tizanidin, Tizanidina, Tizanidine, Tizanidinum |
Related Drugs | cyclobenzaprine, diazepam, methocarbamol, Flexeril, Valium, Soma |
Weight | 2mg |
Type | Tablet |
Formula | C9H8ClN5S |
Weight | Average: 253.711 Monoisotopic: 253.018893678 |
Protein binding | About 30% bound to plasma proteins . |
Groups | Approved, Investigational |
Therapeutic Class | Centrally acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants |
Manufacturer | Silver Oak Corporation, |
Available Country | Pakistan |
Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
It is used in the symptomatic treatment of painful muscle spasm associated with musculoskeletal conditions and as an adjunct in the management of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord disorders.
Murex is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute Low Back Pain, Drug Withdrawal Headache, Insomnia, Migraine, Pain, Seizures, Spasticity, Muscle, Withdrawal From Addictive Substance; Detoxification
How Murex works
Murex reduces spasticity by causing presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons via agonist actions at Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor sites. This drug is centrally acting and leads to a reduction in the release of excitatory amino acids like glutamate and aspartate, which cause neuronal firing that leads to muscle spasm. The above reduction and excitatory neurotransmitter release results in presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons. The strongest effect of tizanidine has been shown to occur on spinal polysynaptic pathways. The anti-nociceptive and anticonvulsant activities of tizanidine may also be attributed to agonist action on Alpha-2 receptors. Murex also binds with weaker affinity to the Alpha-1 receptors, explaining its slight and temporary effect on the cardiovascular system .
Dosage
Murex dosage
The usual initial daily dose is 2 mg as a single dose. The daily dose may be increased thereafter according to response in steps of 2 mg at intervals of at least 3 to 4 days, usually up to 24 mg daily given in 3 to 4 divided doses. The maximum recommended dose is 36 mg daily.
Side Effects
Murex Hydrochloride may cause drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, hypotension. Bradycardia, insomnia, hallucinations and altered liver enzymes, and rarely acute hepatitis have also been reported.
Toxicity
LD50 information
Oral LD50 (rat): 414 mg/kg; Subcutaneous LD50 (rat): 282 mg/kg; Oral LD50 (mouse): 235 mg/kg
Use in pregnancy
Animal studies have determined that this drug causes fetal harm . Studies have not been performed in humans, and it is advisable to ensure that tizanidine use in pregnant women should be reserved for cases in which possible benefit clearly outweighs the possible risk to mother and unborn child .
Use in breastfeeding
In studies of rat models, this tizanidine was found excreted in the breastmilk with a milk-to-blood ratio of 1.8:1 . In young nursing rats, abnormal results were obtained in tests indicative of central nervous system function. Various developmental changes that may have been attributable to the drug were observed. It is unknown whether tizanidine is excreted in human milk. It is a lipid-soluble drug, however, and likely to be excreted into breast milk .
Carcinogenesis and mutagenesis
No signs of carcinogenicity were observed in two dietary studies performed in rodent models. Murex was given to mice for 78 weeks at doses reaching a maximum 16 mg/kg (equivalent to twice the maximum recommended human dose). In addition, the drug was given to rats for 104 weeks at doses reaching 9 mg/kg (equivalent to 2.5 times the maximum recommended human dose). There was a lack of a statistically significant increase in the occurrence of tumors in either study group .
Murex was not found to be mutagenic or clastogenic in several laboratory essays, including the bacterial Ames test, the mammalian gene mutation test, in addition to the chromosomal aberration test in Chinese hamster cells and several other assays .
Precaution
Patients with impaired kidney or liver function; when patients drive a vehicle or operate machinery.
Interaction
Alcohol or other CNS depressants may enhance the CNS effects of Murex. There may be an additive hypotensive effect when Murex is used in patients receiving antihypertensive therapy.
Food Interaction
- Avoid alcohol.
- Take with or without food. Maintain the same schedule with regard to meals, as concentrations increase in the fasted state and decrease in the fed state.
Murex Alcohol interaction
[Moderate]
The sedative effect of tizanidine may be potentiated by concomitant use of other agents with central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects.
In addition, tizanidine and many of these agents (e.g., alcohol, anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, muscle relaxants) also can exhibit hypotensive effects, which may be additive during coadministration and may increase the risk of symptomatic hypotension and orthostasis, particularly during initiation of therapy or dose escalation.
Murex itself is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist.
Pharmacologic studies have found tizanidine to possess between 1/10 to 1/50 of the potency of clonidine, a structurally similar agent, in lowering blood pressure.
In a single-dose study where blood pressure was monitored closely after dosing, two-thirds of patients treated with an 8 mg dose had a 20% reduction in either the diastolic or systolic blood pressure.
The reduction was seen within 1 hour after dosing, peaked 2 to 3 hours after dosing, and was associated at times with bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, lightheadedness, dizziness, and rarely, syncope.
The hypotensive effect of tizanidine is dose-related and has been measured following single doses of 2 mg or more.
Caution is advised and more gradual dose titration may be appropriate when tizanidine is used with other substances that can cause CNS depression and/or hypotension, particularly in elderly or debilitated patients.
Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position.
Patients should contact their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or excessive CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.
Murex Drug Interaction
Major: escitalopram, metoprolol, acetaminophen / hydrocodoneModerate: zolpidem, diphenhydramine, duloxetine, pregabalin, albuterol, topiramate, alprazolam, ondansetron, cetirizineUnknown: amphetamine / dextroamphetamine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, montelukast, levothyroxine, acetaminophen, cyanocobalamin, ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol
Murex Disease Interaction
Major: hepatotoxicity, hypotension, renal dysfunctionModerate: psychoses
Volume of Distribution
Extensively distributed throughout the body. The average steady-state volume of distribution is 2.4 L/kg .
Elimination Route
This drug undergoes significant first-pass metabolism. After the administration of an oral dose, tizanidine is mostly absorbed. The absolute oral bioavailability of tizanidine is measured to be about 40% .
Effect of food on absorption
Food has been shown to increase absorption for both the tablets and capsules. The increase in absorption with the tablet (about 30%) was noticeably higher than the capsule (~10%). When the capsule and tablet were administered with food, the amount absorbed from the capsule was about 80% of the amount absorbed from the tablet . It is therefore advisable to take this drug with food for increased absorption, especially in tablet form.
Half Life
Approximately 2.5 hours .
Clearance
A note on renal impairment
Murex clearance is found to be decreased by more than 50% in elderly patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 25 mL/min) compared to healthy elderly subjects; this would be expected to lead to a longer duration of clinical effect. This drug should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment .
Elimination Route
This drug is mainly eliminated by the kidney .
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Murex has no teratogenic effects in rats and rabbits. As there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women, it should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. Although only small amounts of Murex are excreted in animal milk, lactating women should not take Murex.
Contraindication
Murex Hydrochloride is contraindicated to the patients who have known hypersensitivity to this drug and in case of severe hepatic impairment.
Acute Overdose
Children: Experience in children is limited and the use of Murex in this patient group is not recommended.
Elderly: Renal clearance in the elderly may in some cases be significantly decreased. Caution is therefore indicated when using in elderly patients.
Storage Condition
Store in a cool & dry place, protected from light & moisture. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Murex
Murex contains Tizanidine see full prescribing information from innovator Murex Monograph, Murex MSDS, Murex FDA label
FAQ
What is Murex used for?
Murex is a short-acting muscle relaxer. It works by blocking nerve impulses (pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Murex is used to treat spasticity by temporarily relaxing muscle tone.Murex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
How safe is Murex?
You should take Murex only for daily activities that require relief from muscle spasms. Do not take more than three doses in a 24-hour period. Too much of this medicine can damage your liver. You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
What are the common side effects of Murex?
Murex may cause common side effects are include:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- weakness
- nervousness
- depression
- vomiting
- tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, and feet
- dry mouth
- constipation
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- increased muscle spasms
- back pain
- rash
- sweating
Is Murex safe during pregnancy?
Murex is a category C pregnancy drug. That means two things one of these,
research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.Other are there haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus.This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Is Murex safe during breastfeeding?
It's not known if Murex passes into breast milk and causes side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
Can I drink alcohol with Murex?
Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol during treatment
Can I drive after takin Murex?
It's not a good idea to drive while taking Murex, at least until your body adjusts to the medicine. This drug can make you drowsy, which means that you should not drive a car or operate any kind of machinery that requires you to be fully alert and coordinated.
Does Murex make me sleepy?
Murex oral tablet may cause drowsiness. It may also cause other side effects.
How long does it take for Murex to kick in?
Murex is a short-acting medication, and its effects will be most noticeable between 1 and 3 hours after you take it. You should take Murex only for daily activities that require relief from muscle spasms.
Is it safe to take Murex every night?
You can take Murex every six to eight hours, but you shouldn't take more than three doses in 24 hours.
Can Murex affect my heart?
Murex can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death.
How long does it take for muscle relaxers to work?
Some muscle relaxers start working within 30 minutes of taking them, and the effects can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.
What does Murex feel like?
Murex can make you feel sleepy or dizzy. It can slow your reactions, so please take care if you are using tools or machines, or if you drive.
What does Murex feel like?
Murex can make you feel sleepy or dizzy. It can slow your reactions, so please take care if you are using tools or machines, or if you drive.
What does Murex feel like?
Murex can make you feel sleepy or dizzy. It can slow your reactions, so please take care if you are using tools or machines, or if you drive.
Is Murex an anti inflammatory?
Murex increases the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of naproxen or ketorolac, with an increase in gastric tolerability, Murex could provide therapeutic advantages in the clinical treatment of inflammation and pain.
Can Murex cause depression?
Murex may cause anxiety or depression.
When should not used to Murex?
Do not use Murex at a time when you need muscle tone for safe balance and movement during certain activities.
How should I take Murex?
Murex is usually taken up to 3 times in one day. Allow 6 to 8 hours to pass between doses. Do not take more than three doses in a 24-hour period.You may take Murex with or without food, but take it the same way each time.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdose symptoms may include weakness, drowsiness, confusion, slow heart rate, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What happen If I suddenly stop Murex?
If you stop using Murex suddenly after long-term use, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, fast heartbeats, tremors, and anxiety.