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Spasmolytic Agents: Chemical Classification

Spasmolytic Agents: Chemical Classification

Spasmolytic agents are drugs used to alleviate muscle spasms and spasticity. They can be categorized into different chemical groups based on their mechanisms of action. Centrally acting spasmolytics primarily affect the spinal cord, while others directly target skeletal muscle cells.
A major class of centrally acting spasmolytics is the α2-agonist, such as tizanidine. These drugs bind to α2-adrenoceptors, inhibiting the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. They also...

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Centrally acting muscle relaxants reduce muscle tone and tension by interfering with the postsynaptic reflexes in the central nervous system.
Centrally acting drugs are classified into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic drugs such as baclofen, diazepam, and tizanidine inhibit spinal motor neurons and decrease muscle tone. Spasmolytic drugs are administered for severe and chronic spasms due to multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, and spinal cord and muscle injuries. However,...

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx...

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that can reduce muscle stiffness and induce temporary paralysis to relieve pain. These agents can act centrally to reduce muscle tone or spasms in painful conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or spinal injuries; they are called antispasmodics or spasmolytics.
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...

Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison

Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison

Skeletal muscle relaxants can target the central nervous system [CNS] to reduce muscle tension or act directly at the neuromuscular junction to induce temporary paralysis. These two classes of muscle relaxants are called centrally acting muscle relaxants and peripherally acting muscle relaxants. They differ in their action, mechanism, administration route, and clinical uses.
Centrally acting muscle relaxants can be further divided into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic...

Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin

Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin

Directly acting muscle relaxants like dantrolene and botulinum toxin (BoNT) have distinct mechanisms and applications. Dantrolene, a hydantoin derivative, acts on the ryanodine receptor (RYR1) in skeletal muscle cells. RYR1 are calcium channels present at the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. In response to excitation, they release calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol. Calcium promotes actin-myosin-mediated contraction of muscles.
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy

Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 9, 2024

Treatment of spasticity.

Jonathan Marsden¹, Valerie Stevenson², Louise Jarrett³

¹School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology

|August 24, 2023

Summary

Spasticity involves increased stretch reflex activity and can lead to movement issues. Understanding its cause is key to effective management, guiding choices between physical, pharmacological, or surgical interventions.

Keywords:

Hypertonia Spasticity Upper motor neuron syndrome

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

Spasticity is a motor disorder characterized by increased stretch reflex excitability and muscle overactivity.
It manifests with positive signs (clonus, spasms) and negative signs (paresis, impaired postural control).
Spasticity develops post-lesion, impacting movement speed, coordination, and causing pain.

Conclusions:

Effective spasticity management requires a thorough understanding of its causes and patient-specific needs.
A range of interventions exist, from physical therapy and oral medications to focal treatments and surgery.
Multidisciplinary assessment and patient-centered goals are paramount for optimizing outcomes.