Axant Tablet is used to reduce and relieve pain due to muscle spasms (excessive tension in the muscles). Muscle spasm is the sudden involuntary contractions of the muscle, which can be painful and uncomfortable. When the nerve impulses that control the muscle movements are damaged or interrupted, it could lead to muscle spasms.

Axant Tablet contains Diclofenac and Metaxalone. Diclofenac works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation. Metaxalone works by blocking the nerve impulses and pain sensations in the brain, thereby helping to maintain muscle strength and relieving muscle spasms or stiffness. Together, Axant Tablet helps in relieving pain due to muscle spasms.

You are advised to take Axant Tablet as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Axant Tablet may cause common side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Axant Tablet may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Axant Tablet should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Axant Tablet as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness; it might also increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.

Axant Tablet is a combination of two drugs: Diclofenac and Metaxalone. Diclofenac is an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug), and metaxalone is a skeletal muscle relaxant. Axant Tablet is used to reduce and relieve pain due to muscle spasms (excessive tension in the muscles). Diclofenac works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in the body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make another chemical prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, lesser prostaglandins are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site. Metaxalone works on the centres of the spinal cord and brain, thereby helping to maintain muscle strength and relieving muscle spasms or stiffness. Together, Axant Tablet helps in relieving pain due to muscle spasms.

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Headache

If you have had any recent heart surgery, do not take Axant Tablet unless advised by the doctor as it may increase the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not take Axant Tablet if you are allergic to any of its components, have severe heart failure, or have suffered bleeding problems such as bleeding from the stomach or bowels while taking any painkillers. Inform your doctor before taking Axant Tablet if you have/had high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol, diabetes, asthma, liver or kidney problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Axant Tablet may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Axant Tablet should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Axant Tablet as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Stop taking Axant Tablet and consult your doctor immediately if you have stomach pain or any signs of bleeding in the intestine or stomach such as blood in stools. Do not take any other NSAIDs for pain relief along with Axant Tablet unless prescribed. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking painkillers (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, hydrocodone, acetaminophen, oxycodone, tramadol), diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide), anti-hypertensive (lisinopril, metoprolol), corticosteroid (prednisone), anti-coagulant (rivaroxaban), sedative (zolpidem), anti-histamine (diphenhydramine, cetirizine), anti-convulsant (gabapentin, clonazepam, pregabalin),  anti-depressant (duloxetine, escitalopram, sertraline), anxiolytics (diazepam, alprazolam).

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have anaemia, asthma, fluid retention, gastrointestinal toxicity, rash, thrombosis (formation of clots), high blood pressure, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), heart, kidney and liver problems.

• DULOXETINE
• IBUPROFEN
• ASPIRIN
• NAPROXEN
• ACETAMINOPHEN
• HYDROCODONE
• OXYCODONE
• TRAMADOL
• HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
• LISINOPRIL
• METOPROLOL
• PREDNISONE
• RIVAROXABAN
• ZOLPIDEM
• DIPHENHYDRAMINE
• CETIRIZINE
• GABAPENTIN
• CLONAZEPAM
• PREGABALIN
• ESCITALOPRAM
• SERTRALINE
• DIAZEPAM
• ALPRAZOLAM
• LORAZEPAM

• Exercising regularly helps in muscle stretching so that they are less likely to spasm, tear and sprain. Mild exercises such as jogging and walking are helpful for muscle stretching.

• Massages can also be helpful.

• Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.

• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes, instead, wear loose garments.

• Rest well, get plenty of sleep.

• To avoid developing pressure sores, change your position at least every two hours.

• Hot or cold therapy can help treat muscle spasms. Apply an ice-pack or hot-pack on the muscle for 15-20minutes.

• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water.

Muscle spasm: It is the sudden involuntary contractions of the muscle, which can be painful and uncomfortable. When the nerve impulses that control the muscle movements are damaged or interrupted, it could lead to muscle spasms. Symptoms include muscle tightness, joint stiffness, unusual posture, difficulty in moving, and pain in affected muscles and joints. Fatigue (weakness), stress, extreme heat or cold, infection and tight clothing can trigger muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants and exercise can treat muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants sedate the muscle and help in inhibiting painful contractions. Whereas, exercise helps in muscle stretching so that they are less likely to spasm, tear and sprain.