Neuroflax: What is it and what is it used for?

Muscle pain , whether from exercise, trauma, or systemic disease, decreases people’s quality of life. For example, people with rheumatologic or neurogenic disorders must deal with pain and discomfort on a daily basis, for example.

Fortunately, there are medications that decrease muscle contraction and pain. Neuroflax is one of many, acting both centrally and peripherally. Next, we will explain what you should know about it.

What is neuroflax?

It is the trade name of a medicine made up of two pharmacological compounds , with different properties and functions: thiocolchicoside and cobamamide . It has other trade names. such as coltrax, myorel and muscorol.

Cobamamide is a coenzyme of vitamin B12. Its main function is protein synthesis, therefore, it has repairing properties at the cellular level , especially in the central and peripheral nervous system.

To be highlighted: Thiocolchicoside is a drug that binds to the cell receptors of the centers that regulate muscle movement and tone, located in the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord. 

Neuroflax comes in vials with lyophilisate containing 20 mg cobamamide and 4 mg thiocolchicoside. Its route of administration is oral and deep intramuscular.

What does neuroflax cure?

Neuroflax is a muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory , whose effects reduce pain caused by radicular syndromes or exacerbated muscle contraction. Next, we will explain them in detail.

1. Bone and muscle pain

After a fracture, or weight overload, the bones and muscles can be compromised, firing bursts of impulses to the brain, which translates it as pain.

Muscle relaxants, such as neuroflax, are used to treat these debilitating symptoms . For example, cervical pain caused by muscle fatigue or degenerative diseases of the spine.

Note: The maximum recommended dose is 8 mg every 12 hours for 5 days, orally, and 4 mg every 12 hours for 7 days, intramuscularly.

2. Contractures of rheumatic, traumatological and neurological origin

These include fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, mixed connective tissue diseases, whiplash injuries, compression of nerves by the spine, and so on.

Diffuse neuropathic pain, common in rheumatology, is caused by a still unknown mechanism. However, the use of muscle relaxants is continued to reduce symptoms.

Neuroflax contraindications

There are risk groups to which drugs should not be administered with thiocolchicoside due to its actions on GABA inhibitory pathways. Next, we will explain them.

1. Sensitivity to components

Hypersensitivity to neuroflax ( or more specifically, to thiocolchicoside) is very rare.

In a study published in the Indian Medical Journal of Dermatology, muscle relaxants such as thiocolchicoside and pheniramidol were found to have caused only two known cases of skin reactions.

2. Asma y eczema

Eczema and asthma are organic manifestations of the atopic state . It is a condition of hypersensitivity, where the patient is allergic to certain environmental or internal agents (hence, the reason why the cough or chronic rhinitis occurs for eczema).

But the important thing here is that, in these people, there is an elevation of eosinophils, immune cells responsible for mediating allergy responses (runny nose, rashes, cough, etc.).

To highlight: In patients with adverse reactions to thiocolchicoside, elevated eosinophilia has also been found . Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the use of neuroflax in them.

3. Pregnancy and lactation

In 2013, the European Association of Medicine (AEM) published a study stating that substances derived from neuroflax in our body have teratogenic effects .

Important: The word teratogenic means any substance, organism or physical agent capable of altering the normal development of the fetus . Therefore, the EMA restricts its use only to injections or orally, in specific circumstances.

4. Under 16 years of age

The AEM also states that injections should not be given to anyone under the age of 16.

To highlight: Thiocolchicoside also increases the risk of cell aneuploidy (alterations of chromosomes), increasing the risk of developing cancer or infertility in men.

What are the side effects of neuroflax?

Certain precautions must be taken, since adverse effects can occur, like any medication, although not in all patients. Next, we will mention the most relevant.

1. Gastrointestinal discomfort

These include constipation, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, recurring pain in the upper abdomen, a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen, especially at mealtime.

2. Skin reactions

As we already mentioned, there is a prior predisposition in certain patients, which can result in itching, rash, angioedema, formation of macules on the skin, etc.

3. Drowsiness

Since neuroflax acts at the level of the central nervous system, paradoxical effects, such as headaches , can occur . Other neurological symptoms include dizziness, blurred or double vision, drowsiness, nervousness, and confusion.

Important: Thiocolchicoside can precipitate epileptic seizures , especially in patients with a history of epilepsy. Possibly due to overstimulation of the nervous system.

4. Pink urine

Shortly after starting treatment, a pink coloration of the urine may occur. Changes in urine have been reported in the past after administration of muscle relaxants.

For example, chlorzoxazone and methocarbamol, both used to treat acute musculoskeletal conditions, cause a dark coloration of the urine. So there is a possibility that neuroflax also has similar effects.

Key Conclusions

• Neuroflax is one of many trade names for the combination of thiocolchicoside and cobamamide, used to treat muscle pain.
• Pain can be of different causes (neuropathic, rheumatological, muscle or bone trauma).
• In 2013, the possible health risks of using thiocolchicoside were announced, so its use was decided only for certain circumstances.
• It can cause gastrointestinal, mental and skin reactions (especially if you have a history of allergies, asthma or epilepsy).