Myolgin

Quick links to important sections

Myolgin

Method of action: Miorelaxant

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Myolgin

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Acetaminophen and Chlorzoxazone
Form Oral dosage form (Tablet)
Pharmacological class Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxant and Analgesic
Common use Relief of pain associated with muscle spasm
Origin Synthetic chemical compounds

What Type of Medicine is Myolgin?

Myolgin is a synthetic combination medication categorized pharmacologically as a blend of a Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxant and a Non-opioid Analgesic/Antipyretic. This drug is presented as an oral dosage form, typically a tablet, and is designed to provide systemic relief. It represents a specific therapeutic class intended to address the dual symptoms of pain and muscular tension simultaneously, distinguishing it from single-agent formulations. Chlorzoxazone's function is to target the spinal cord and subcortical areas of the brain to diminish nerve impulses that initiate and sustain skeletal muscle spasms. This action is designed to reduce the severity of muscle rigidity.

Composition: The Dual-Action Formula

The Myolgin formula relies on two distinct active pharmaceutical ingredients: Acetaminophen and Chlorzoxazone. Both compounds are synthetically derived small molecules. Acetaminophen (often known as Paracetamol) is integrated for its widely recognized ability to elevate the pain threshold and reduce fever. Chlorzoxazone is included specifically for its muscle-relaxing action.

The combined use of a muscle relaxant and an analgesic in a single product, such as the formulation found in Myolgin, is designed for the management of painful musculoskeletal conditions. This indicates that combining these two distinct actions provides a therapeutic approach to alleviating discomfort where both elements are present.

What is the General Purpose of Myolgin?

The general purpose of Myolgin is to serve as an adjunct therapy for the pain and discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. It is explicitly intended to be used in addition to prescribed physical measures, such as rest and targeted physical therapy. The medication is not meant for general pain relief alone, but specifically for situations where rigid muscle spasm is contributing significantly to the overall discomfort, such as following an acute muscle strain. By diminishing both the involuntary muscle tension and the perception of pain, Myolgin generally helps to restore comfort and support better patient mobility during acute phases.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Acetaminophen)

What side effects are possible with Myolgin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section describes the adverse reactions and high-level safety constraints associated with Myolgin (Acetaminophen and Chlorzoxazone), strictly based on official regulatory documentation.

Frequency and System Classification

Adverse reactions are classified by frequency and the body system affected, according to official regulatory labels. Effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are commonly reported in official documents as occurring in occasional patients. These primarily involve the Nervous System and Gastrointestinal System.

Less frequently, but significantly, reactions involving the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue are documented, including skin rash, urticaria, and redness. A high-level safety note is that the phenolic metabolite of Chlorzoxazone may cause a harmless, non-pathological discoloration of the urine (orange or purple-red).

Serious Adverse Reactions and Restrictions

The safety profile includes regulatory statements concerning serious, rare adverse reactions. The most significant are the documented risk of severe, potentially fatal hepatocellular toxicity (acute liver failure) and rare instances of severe allergic responses, such as anaphylactic reactions and angioneurotic edema. The risk of liver toxicity is particularly associated with the Acetaminophen component.

Safety limitations defined in regulatory documents include a contraindication for use in individuals with severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease. Caution is officially mandated for patients with preexisting liver disease and those who are chronic alcohol consumers, due to increased risk of toxicity. Furthermore, co-use with alcohol or other Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants is associated with a risk of additive CNS depressant effects, which is an essential safety constraint.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official overdose profile for Myolgin is derived from the combined risks of Acetaminophen and Chlorzoxazone, necessitating a specific emergency protocol. Overdose manifestations are officially documented to initially include non-specific signs such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Central nervous system (CNS) effects, noted for the muscle relaxant component, may involve drowsiness, lightheadedness, decreased muscle tone, and potentially absent deep tendon reflexes.

The regulatory labels state that overdose is classified as a risk for potentially fatal hepatotoxicity (severe liver damage) leading to Acute Liver Failure (ALF), and acute respiratory depression and hypotension. Individuals with pre-existing liver disease or a history of chronic alcohol abuse are noted as having increased vulnerability to severe acetaminophen-induced toxicity.

Immediate medical help is required upon suspected overdose, even if the individual is asymptomatic or feels well. This mandatory instruction reflects the risk of delayed but irreversible liver damage. Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive, often including gastrointestinal decontamination procedures. A specific antidote, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), is indicated for the acetaminophen component to mitigate hepatic injury. Monitoring of hepatic and renal function and serum acetaminophen concentration is required for risk assessment.

Therapeutic Uses of Myolgin

What Myolgin Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The combination medication is commonly used to provide symptomatic relief for conditions presenting with acute episodes of pain and muscle tension. It is intended for short-term symptom management alongside physical measures like rest. This approach is relevant for the management of discomfort associated with acute muscle spasms.


Dual Management of Acute Pain and Muscle Spasm

The medication is commonly used to help manage pain and spasm associated with acute muscle strains, sprains, traumatic muscle injuries, low back pain, and torticollis. This combination is relevant in clinical settings marked by increased discomfort or tension caused by both localized pain and the accompanying involuntary skeletal muscle spasms. It is typically utilized when symptoms appear suddenly, which may interfere with daily comfort. Myolgin may assist with managing symptoms that create noticeable functional strain by easing physical discomfort and tension.

Quick Fact: Use in Acute Musculoskeletal Discomfort
Symptom Cluster Pain and involuntary skeletal muscle spasm
Typical Context Acute injuries, strains, and low back pain
Patient Benefit Contributes to easing the overall symptom load

Relief for Muscle Rigidity and Tension

Myolgin is commonly used across conditions characterized by pronounced muscle rigidity and tension, where muscle stiffness contributes significantly to the symptom burden. It is applicable in situations requiring short-term supportive relief to help manage challenging symptomatic phases. This supportive benefit may assist with managing the symptom load and improving day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods.

Regulatory References

  1. Health Canada Product Monograph

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Contraindication Profile

Regulatory documents define the eligibility for Myolgin (a combination product containing Chlorzoxazone and Acetaminophen) based on patient health status and demographics.

Classification Population Restriction
Absolute Contraindication Known hypersensitivity to Chlorzoxazone, Acetaminophen, or any component. Severe active liver disease or acute porphyria.
Use Not Established Children under 12 years of age, as safety and efficacy data are typically insufficient for this combination in the pediatric population.

Condition-Based Limitations

Use requires special caution in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or renal impairment, as these conditions can affect the clearance of the active ingredients and increase the risk of toxicity. The medicine is often not recommended for older adults due to increased susceptibility to central nervous system side effects like sedation, as noted in authoritative sources.

Pregnancy and Lactation Status

Official labeling generally advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless the clear benefits of treatment are deemed to outweigh the potential risks, as the safety of Chlorzoxazone in these conditions is often not established.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The interaction profile of Myolgin is a combination of the documented effects of its active components, Metamizole and Chlorzoxazone. Concomitant use with other medicinal products can lead to changes in drug levels or increased risk of specific adverse effects.

Potential Drug Interactions

Interacting Product Category Potential Effect (Mechanism)
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants (including alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotics, and specific antihistamines) Increased risk of CNS depression (e.g., drowsiness, decreased alertness) due to additive effects with Chlorzoxazone.
Antihypertensives (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) Metamizole may decrease the antihypertensive activities of these medicines.
Myelosuppressive Agents (e.g., Altretamine) Increased risk or severity of myelosuppression (bone marrow suppression) when combined with Metamizole.
Nephrotoxic Agents (e.g., certain NSAIDs) Increased risk or severity of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) with Metamizole.
CYP Enzyme Modulators (Inducers/Inhibitors) Altered serum concentrations of Chlorzoxazone and other co-administered drugs due to effects on drug metabolism.

Metamizole is a known inducer of certain CYP enzymes and may affect the serum levels of numerous drugs, potentially necessitating dose adjustments. Similarly, Chlorzoxazone's metabolism is influenced by multiple drugs, which can lead to increased or decreased Chlorzoxazone concentrations. Close professional guidance is essential when co-administering Myolgin with any of the affected product categories.

Mechanism of Action

Myolgin, containing chlorzoxazone and paracetamol (acetaminophen), exerts a dual pharmacodynamic mechanism derived from the distinct activities of its two components.


Modulating Central Reflex Arcs

The mechanism of chlorzoxazone involves centrally-acting modulation primarily within the spinal cord and subcortical areas of the brain . Chlorzoxazone initiates or suppresses signaling sequences by inhibiting polysynaptic reflex arcs, which mediate the tonic and reflex activity of skeletal muscle. This molecular action results in the modulation of motor neuron activity, leading to a diminished efferent output to skeletal muscle tissue at a system level.


Inhibiting Prostaglandin Synthesis and Nociceptive Signaling

Paracetamol operates via an enzyme-mediated signaling process by affecting the Peroxidase (POX) site of the Prostaglandin H2 Synthetase (PGHS) enzyme (also known as COX). This interaction modifies early molecular steps that shape systemic physiological outcomes by modifying signal transduction within neural pathways associated with nociception, influencing the level of mediator activity within those pathways.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Myolgin is Used

Myolgin, a combination of a muscle relaxant and an analgesic, is intended for oral administration as a tablet. The medicine is indicated for short-term use only and serves as an adjunct—meaning it is used in addition to non-pharmacological methods like rest and physical therapy.


Dosing and Frequency

Standard adult use involves taking the drug in a divided regimen, typically three to four times per day, generally corresponding to administration every six to eight hours. The dose for the Chlorzoxazone component typically ranges from 250 mg to 750 mg per administration.

The total daily intake of Acetaminophen should not exceed 4,000 mg from all sources. As symptoms improve during the course of treatment, the dosage is typically reduced to the lowest effective level.


Administration Context and Adjustments

Myolgin may be taken with or without food. For specific populations, considerations include that older adults may require initiation at a lower dose. If a scheduled dose is missed, the general procedure is to take it as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose is skipped entirely to prevent taking a double amount. Maximum total daily dosages of either active component should not be exceeded.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Myolgin

This overview summarizes the type of research that has been conducted on Myolgin, which is a combination of Acetaminophen and Chlorzoxazone. The evidence landscape described here is drawn from official regulatory reports and systematic reviews, focusing on what studies explored and what remains uncertain.


Evidence for Use in Acute Muscle Spasm and Pain

Research for this combination primarily utilized short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Systematic Reviews. These studies were designed to explore how symptoms change over time in adults experiencing conditions associated with skeletal muscle spasm, such as acute low back pain or muscle strains. Researchers examined patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and how muscle tension evolved in the observed populations.

Studies describe patterns observed over periods lasting just a few days to a week. For the muscle relaxant class generally, research has explored whether changes are measured during the study period when compared to placebo. However, evidence quality varies across studies, and some systematic reviews have highlighted mixed findings or uncertainty regarding the outcomes of the muscle relaxant component versus a non-active treatment in every setting. The sample sizes were modest in many older trials, meaning the results apply only to the populations studied.


Evidence for Acute Pain Relief (Component-Level Studies)

Studies of the combination drug evaluated whether adding the muscle relaxant may help with pain relief. However, certain analyses indicate that the measurement of pain outcomes for the muscle relaxant component when used alone is considered inconsistent, and its specific contribution to overall outcomes related to physical discomfort in non-spasm conditions is not fully established.


What is Still Uncertain About the Myolgin Research Base

Long-term effects are not fully established. The typical research explored short-term symptom changes, reflecting the focus on acute, temporary symptoms. Follow-up durations were limited, and there is limited information on outcomes related to using the medication over extended periods. Data for certain groups remain insufficient, particularly for older adults or individuals with specific chronic health conditions.

Key Studies & References

  1. Comparative Efficacy of Pharmacological Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Bayesian Network Analysis (2022)
  2. Investigating the Effect of Perioperative Chlorzoxazone on Acute Postoperative Pain After Total Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery (RCT, 2020)
  3. Label: CHLORZOXAZONE tablet (NIH DailyMed - Regulatory Monograph)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Myolgin (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Myolgin usually start to work?

A: Official information, based on pharmacokinetic data, indicates that the muscle relaxant component of Myolgin (Chlorzoxazone) typically achieves its highest concentration in the bloodstream approximately one to two hours after it is taken. This measurement indicates how quickly the drug reaches its highest concentration in the bloodstream.


Q: How long does the effect of a Myolgin dose last?

A: The duration of the medicine's effect is influenced by the half-life of its active components. The muscle relaxant component (Chlorzoxazone) has a relatively short half-life, typically around one hour. This characteristic is consistent with the need for a divided dose schedule, as outlined in official use conditions.


Q: Does Myolgin interact with common supplements like multivitamins or magnesium?

A: Regulatory documents on interactions primarily detail effects with other prescription drugs and substances that affect metabolism (CYP enzyme modulators). Official product information generally does not list specific interaction details for common over-the-counter supplements like multivitamins or magnesium.


Q: What happens if I stop taking Myolgin suddenly?

A: Official regulatory documents concerning the drug's safety profile do not indicate the need for a gradual dose reduction (tapering schedule) when discontinuing use. They also do not specifically list withdrawal symptoms associated with suddenly stopping the use of Myolgin.


Q: Is it possible to become dependent on Myolgin?

A: The medication is not officially categorized as a controlled substance in the United States. Regulatory labels and prescribing information do not describe a potential for dependence or abuse associated with the use of Myolgin.


Q: Is Myolgin known to be safe during pregnancy (informational question)?

A: Official product labeling generally advises against using the medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless the benefits are clearly judged to outweigh the potential risks. This caution is based on the fact that adequate safety data for the Chlorzoxazone component in human pregnancy have not typically been established in regulatory documents.


Q: Are there different brand names for the same medicine as Myolgin?

A: The combination of its two active ingredients, Acetaminophen and Chlorzoxazone, is marketed under several different trade names worldwide. Like many combination medications, it is available under these brand names as well as its non-branded chemical names.


Q: How does the half-life of Myolgin relate to how often it is taken?

A: The frequency with which Myolgin is taken is directly related to how the body processes the medication. The Chlorzoxazone component has a short half-life of approximately one hour. This characteristic is consistent with the divided administration regimen, typically three to four times per day.


Q: Is Myolgin a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)?

A: Official drug classification indicates that Myolgin is a combination of a centrally acting muscle relaxant and the non-opioid analgesic Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is the pain relief component, and it is not classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).


Q: Is it normal to feel a mild headache when first starting Myolgin?

A: Official safety documents, such as the product information, categorize and list side effects observed in studies. A headache may be listed among the less common or rare undesirable effects associated with Myolgin.


Q: Does Myolgin have a 'black box' warning in the US?

A: US regulatory documents (FDA) require a Boxed Warning, sometimes referred to as a 'black box' warning, for products containing Acetaminophen. This warning relates to the risk of severe liver damage (hepatotoxicity) and the potential for rare, serious skin reactions.


Q: What if I forget to take a dose of Myolgin?

A: Official regulatory guidelines provide procedural information regarding missed doses. Official guidelines indicate that if it is remembered soon after the scheduled time, the dose can be taken; however, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped entirely to prevent exceeding the recommended daily maximum.


Q: Can I crush or split Myolgin tablets?

A: Official administration instructions clarify how the tablet should be taken. Unless the regulatory guidance explicitly notes that the tablet is scored or can be crushed, the medicine is generally intended to be swallowed whole. This is to maintain the integrity of the tablet as intended by the manufacturer.


Q: Does using Myolgin affect the effectiveness of birth control pills?

A: Official product information includes a drug interaction profile. The interaction profile notes that one component is a factor that may be associated with altered serum levels of other medicines, which may include hormonal contraceptives.


Q: Do studies suggest Myolgin is better for acute or chronic conditions?

A: The official indication for Myolgin is for short-term use as an adjunct therapy for pain associated with acute musculoskeletal conditions. Regulatory review of the research evidence confirms that clinical trials have primarily focused on exploring short-term symptom changes, aligning with its intended acute-use purpose.


Q: Can Myolgin be used for general tension or stress relief?

A: According to official product indications, the purpose of Myolgin is specifically to serve as an adjunct therapy for discomfort associated with acute, painful skeletal muscle spasm. It is not indicated for general emotional tension or non-specific stress relief.


Q: What should I do if I experience a rare side effect mentioned in the official documents?

A: Official safety guidance recommends seeking immediate professional attention if an individual experiences any severe or potentially life-threatening side effects. Examples of serious concerns mentioned in regulatory documents include signs of acute liver toxicity or a serious allergic reaction.


Q: Does Myolgin affect the results of any common lab tests?

A: The Acetaminophen component of the medication is known to potentially affect the results of certain clinical laboratory tests. Official documentation describes possible interferences with tests designed to measure substances like blood glucose or uric acid.


Q: Are there specific symptoms that mean Myolgin is not right for me?

A: Regulatory documents list certain signs and symptoms that warrant immediate review by a healthcare professional. These include symptoms indicative of potential liver injury (such as jaundice or abdominal pain) or the onset of severe skin reactions, which are contraindications for continued use.


Q: Does Myolgin have a generic version available?

A: Official drug listings and regulatory databases confirm that this combination product is available in generic form. Generic versions typically contain the same active ingredients, Acetaminophen and Chlorzoxazone, as the branded product.


Q: Are there restrictions on using Myolgin before or after surgery?

A: Official warnings and precautions advise caution regarding the use of the Acetaminophen component with other agents, particularly in the period before surgery. These warnings relate to potential effects that should be considered by a healthcare professional managing surgical care.


Q: Can Myolgin cause changes in mood or sleep?

A: Official regulatory documents classify side effects by body system. Changes in mood or sleep patterns may be listed as less common or rare undesirable effects affecting the central nervous system or psychiatric categories.

How should Myolgin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Myolgin?

The official storage and disposal guidelines for Myolgin tablets are designed to maintain drug integrity and ensure safety, based on government regulatory standards.

Official Storage Requirements

Constraint Requirement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
Environment Keep the container tightly closed and protect the medicine from excess heat, moisture, and freezing.
Child Safety The medication must be kept strictly out of the sight and reach of children. The container should use a child-resistant closure.

Official Disposal Instructions

To dispose of unused or expired Myolgin, the preferred method is utilizing an official drug take-back program. If a take-back option is unavailable, the tablets should be removed from their original container, mixed with an undesirable substance (e.g., coffee grounds), sealed in a plastic bag, and then placed in the household trash. The medication must not be flushed down the toilet or poured down a sink.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Myolgin found in:

A-Z Index: