ATI The Neurological System Part 1

ATI The Neurological System Part 1 What two types of drugs treat muscle spasms? Centrally acting muscle relaxants and peripherally acting muscle relaxants. Baclofen Lioresal What is the expected pharmacologic action of centrally acting muscle relaxants? Enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA on receptors in the spinal cord, resulting in suppression of hyperactive reflexes. Adverse drug reactions of centrally acting muscle relaxants. Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation and urinary retention. Do centrally acting muscle relaxants cause physical dependence? NO. However, abruptly stopping the drug after long-term therapy can result in the symptoms of withdrawal which include; anxiety, restlessness, visual hallucinations and seizures. Interventions for centrally acting muscle relaxants. Give the lowest effective dose and gradually increase to minimize adverse effects. Ensure clients take oral doses with food to decrease gastric irritation. Teach PTs to drink LOTS of water. How long should centrally acting muscle relaxants be tapered off after long-term use? 1 to 2 weeks. Client instructions for centrally acting muscle relaxants. Change positions slowly if they feel dizzy. Do not drive or perform activities that require mental alertness if they feel drowsy. Take PO doses with food or milk. Increase fiber and fluid intake. Taper the dosage off over a period of 1 to 2 weeks, no stopping the drug immediately. Contraindications and precautions for centrally acting muscle relaxants. Clients with a known hypersensitivity. No concurrent usage with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) -could result in hypotension or increased CNS depression. Use with caution in older adults, children and clients with a severe mental illness, seizure disorder or CVA (cerebrovascular accident). Can you drink alcohol with centrally acting muscle relaxants? NO. How do peripherally acting muscle relaxants/direct acting skeletal muscle relaxers work? Relax skeletal muscle spasms that occur as a result of CVA or stroke, spinal cord injury, MS and cerebral palsy. dantrolene Dantrium expected pharmacologic action of peripherally acting muscle relaxants Act directly on skeletal muscle tissue by inhibiting the release of calcium, which is normal for muscle contraction. Adverse effects of dantrolene (peripherally acting muscle relaxant)