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.
I have bronchitis and was prescribed prednisone. I take Flexeril off and on for muscle spasms. Are they okay together?
Apr 17, 2023- There is no known interaction between prednisone and Flexeril, and they are generally considered safe to take together.
- Both medications can cause dizziness and heartburn as shared side effects, so be aware of these potential effects.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on dosing and timing, and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse effects while taking these medications together.
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 Resources
Be sure to check out the drug information we have for both Flexeril and prednisone:
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Corticosteroid
- A type of steroid medication that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
- Muscle relaxant
- A medication that reduces muscle tension and helps relieve muscle spasms.
- Muscle spasms
- Involuntary, sudden contractions or tightening of muscles.
- Mechanisms of action
- The way a drug works in the body to produce its therapeutic effects.
- Metabolism
- The process by which the body breaks down and processes drugs and other substances.
- Absorption
- The process by which a drug enters the bloodstream and becomes available in the body.
- Adverse effects
- Unwanted or harmful reactions that occur from taking a medication.
- Medrol Dose Pack
- A pre-packaged steroid medication where the dose gradually decreases over the course of treatment.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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