Prednisone With Flexeril - Interaction Details

In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not prednisone and Flexeril can safely be taken together.

Question

I have bronchitis and was prescribed prednisone. I take Flexeril off and on for muscle spasms. Are they okay together?

Asked by George On Apr 17, 2023

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Apr 17, 2023
Last updated May 06, 2024

Key points

  • There is no known interaction between Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and prednisone.

Answer

There is no known interaction between prednisone and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine). They are generally considered safe to take together.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is often used, among other things, to reduce inflammation in the body, while Flexeril is a muscle relaxant that is used to treat muscle spasms.

Prednisone is commonly prescribed for short-term use in treating inflammation in the airways caused by bronchitis. A similar steroid, Medrol, is often prescribed for this purpose as well (typically as a Medrol Dose Pack).

Both prednisone and cyclobenzaprine have different mechanisms of action and do not interfere with each other's metabolism or absorption.

Do They Have Shared Side Effects?

While these drugs don't share too many common side effects, they both have been reported to cause dizziness and heartburn, so that is important to be aware of.

The most common side effects of cyclobenzaprine include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Heartburn
  • Tiredness

The most common side effects of prednisone (when used for a short period of time) include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Mood changes
  • Slowed healing of cuts and bruises
  • Heartburn
  • Increased sweating

Overall though, there isn't too much to be concerned about in regard to side effects being additive when these drugs are taken together.

Final Words

As always, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosing and timing of each medication to ensure optimal effectiveness and safety.

If you have any concerns or experience any adverse effects while taking these medications, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Thanks so much for reaching out and feel free to do so again anytime!

Additional Resouces

Be sure to check out the drug information we have for both Flexeril and prednisone:

References

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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