Back to Pharmacology Lesson preview
Pharmacology Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants

Topic overview

Start with the big picture

These agents act at spinal, brainstem, or higher central nervous system sites to reduce muscle tone. Their mechanisms vary: baclofen acts at GABA_B receptors, tizanidine at central α₂ receptors, and diazepam through GABA_A potentiation; other agents have different central actions. The topic distinguishes treatment of severe spasticity from acute musculoskeletal spasm and compares notable risks, including hypotension with tizanidine, dependence and respiratory depression with diazepam, and abuse potential with carisoprodol. Shared concerns include sedation, dizziness, impaired coordination, and increased central nervous system depression when combined with alcohol or other sedating medicines. The lesson also introduces precautions and monitoring considerations, such as hepatic concerns with selected drugs and added risks in older adults.

Learning objectives

What you'll learn

  • Explain how centrally acting muscle relaxants differ from neuromuscular blockers.
  • Compare the mechanisms and principal uses of selected agents.
  • Identify important adverse effects and drug-specific safety concerns.
  • Recognize class-wide sedation risks and additive central nervous system depression.
  • Describe key patient precautions and monitoring considerations.
Ready for the complete lesson?

Continue your study

Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.

PharmaProLearn

Excel Beyond Limits