Pharmacology · single question
CASE 13 — What medication should be prescribed for acute masticatory muscle spasm?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Cyclobenzaprine
- A. Gabapentin is used for neuropathic pain and epilepsy — not first-line for acute skeletal muscle spasm.
- B. Ibuprofen (NSAID) addresses inflammation and mild pain but does not specifically relax muscle spasm.
- C. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is a centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant and is the drug of choice for acute masticatory muscle spasm in dentistry. It reduces muscle hyperactivity and is used short-term (2–3 weeks).
- D. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant specifically indicated for trigeminal neuralgia — not first-line for acute muscle spasm.