Myonal

Myonal is a centrally-acting muscle relaxant containing Eperisone Hydrochloride 50 mg as its active ingredient, manufactured by Eisai, Japan.

Eperisone works through a dual mechanism:

• Spinal cord action — Reduces nerve signal transmission that causes muscle spasm by inhibiting the spinal reflex
• Vascular smooth muscle action — Dilates blood vessels to improve blood flow to tense muscles, relieving pain from localised ischaemia

A key advantage of Eperisone over other muscle relaxants is that it causes less drowsiness due to minimal effect on the cerebral cortex. This makes it suitable for people who need to work, drive, or operate machinery.

Myonal is the originator brand of Eperisone. It is in the same class as Mydocalm (Tolperisone) but contains a different active ingredient.

Primary indications:

• Muscle spasm — From injuries, back pain, neck pain, stiff neck
• Office syndrome — Muscle pain from prolonged sitting and poor posture
• Low back pain — Used alongside analgesics to reduce spasm
• Neck sprain / frozen shoulder — Tense muscles in the neck and shoulder area
• Neurological spasticity — Spasticity from stroke, spinal cord conditions

Not for: Pain from fractures, acute inflammation, or infection — the underlying cause must be treated.

Dosage: Take Eperisone 50 mg three times daily after meals. Swallow whole with water.

How to take:

• Take 1 tablet (50 mg) after breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Take after meals to reduce stomach irritation
• Your doctor may adjust the dose based on symptoms

Duration: Typically used for 1–2 weeks or until symptoms improve. Do not use for longer than prescribed.

If you miss a dose: Skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose.

Important:

• Although less sedating than other muscle relaxants, some people may still experience drowsiness — observe your response before driving
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medication

Common side effects:

• Drowsiness (less common than with other muscle relaxants)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Skin rash, itching
• Stomach upset

Serious side effects (very rare):

• Anaphylaxis — widespread rash, breathing difficulty, low blood pressure — seek immediate medical attention
• Hepatitis — jaundice, dark urine — stop the medication and see a doctor immediately
• Blood disorders — extremely rare

Important: If you experience allergic symptoms such as widespread rash, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty, stop the medication immediately and seek medical help.

Do not use:

• Allergy to Eperisone or any component of the medication
• History of allergy to muscle relaxant drugs

Use with caution:

• Liver disease — Eperisone is metabolised in the liver; periodic liver function tests recommended with prolonged use
• Kidney disease — dose adjustment may be needed
• Elderly — may be more sensitive; start with a low dose
• Pregnancy / breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; use only if prescribed
• Driving / machinery — although less sedating, observe your response first
• Avoid alcohol — may increase sedative effects

Myonal vs. Mydocalm (Tolperisone): Both are centrally-acting muscle relaxants with low sedation. Mydocalm contains Tolperisone 50 mg while Myonal has Eperisone 50 mg. Similar mechanisms of action. Mydocalm is made by Gedeon Richter (Hungary), Myonal by Eisai (Japan). Equivalent efficacy.

Myonal vs. Norgesic (Orphenadrine + Paracetamol): Norgesic combines a muscle relaxant with paracetamol for added pain relief, but causes significantly more drowsiness than Myonal, along with dry mouth and blurred vision. Myonal is better suited for daytime use.

Myonal vs. Methocarbamol: Methocarbamol is another centrally-acting muscle relaxant that causes more drowsiness and dizziness than Eperisone. Myonal is the better choice for those needing to stay alert.

Eperisone works through 2 main mechanisms:

• Spinal reflex inhibition — Reduces nerve signal transmission causing muscle spasm at the spinal cord level, not the cerebral cortex, hence less sedation
• Vascular smooth muscle relaxation — Dilates blood vessels to improve circulation, relieving pain from localised muscle ischaemia

Onset timeline:

• 30–60 minutes: Muscles begin to relax, spasm decreases
• 1–3 days: Noticeable improvement in muscle pain
• 1–2 weeks: Full effect — significant reduction in spasm and pain

The drug has a half-life of approximately 1.5–2 hours, requiring three-times-daily dosing to maintain therapeutic blood levels.

Myonal is a pharmacist-dispensed medication. You can order online from Intimo Life.

Can I buy Myonal online?

Yes. Order through Intimo Life — select the product, consult with a licensed pharmacist online, and receive your medication at home.

Do I need a prescription?

A doctor's prescription is not required, but the medication must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. At Intimo Life, our pharmacist will review your symptoms and health history to confirm suitability before shipping.

How does Intimo Life ship orders?

We deliver nationwide in Thailand with discreet packaging — no product names on the outside.