The orange pill imprinted with “020” is most commonly identified as a 5 mg cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride tablet, a muscle relaxant used short-term for muscle spasms and related pain.
Identification
Cyclobenzaprine tablets marked “020” are typically round, butterscotch yellow to orange-yellow film-coated, and unscored, produced by manufacturers like those under NDC codes such as 72888-012 or 52817-0330.
Pill identifiers confirm this matches a prescription-only 5 mg strength, distinguishing it from higher doses like 10 mg (often marked “022” and more distinctly orange-yellow). No exact orange “020” variant dominates records, but yellow-orange shades appear in descriptions for cyclobenzaprine generics.
Medical Uses
Cyclobenzaprine relieves muscle spasms from acute injuries like strains or sprains, reducing pain, stiffness, and discomfort by acting on the central nervous system without replacing rest, physical therapy, or exercise. It is also used for fibromyalgia-related muscle pain. Treatment duration is usually 2-3 weeks maximum, as longer use offers little added benefit and increases risks.
Mechanism of Action
This medication calms overactive muscle cramps in targeted areas while preserving overall muscle function, lessening tension through CNS effects similar to tricyclic antidepressants. It does not directly relax muscles but modulates nerve signals to reduce spasm activity.
Dosage and Administration
Standard adult dosing for tablets is 5-10 mg three times daily, not exceeding 30 mg/day, taken orally with or without food. Extended-release forms (15-30 mg once daily) exist but differ in appearance. Swallow whole; store at room temperature away from moisture and light.
Side Effects
Common effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and headache, often improving over time. Serious risks involve serotonin syndrome (confusion, rapid heartbeat, fever), heart rhythm changes, or allergic reactions—seek immediate care for these. Elderly patients face higher drowsiness and fall risks.
Warnings and Precautions
Avoid in patients with recent heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, or MAOI use within 14 days. It impairs alertness, so skip driving or machinery until effects are known; alcohol worsens sedation. Not recommended in severe liver disease, glaucoma, or urinary retention.
Drug Interactions
Cyclobenzaprine interacts dangerously with MAOIs, SSRIs/SNRIs (serotonin risk), opioids, alcohol, anticholinergics, and other CNS depressants. Tricyclic antidepressants or bupropion amplify effects; inform providers of all medications.
History and Availability
Introduced as Flexeril in the 1970s, cyclobenzaprine is now generic, widely available by prescription in 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg tablets. Brands like Amrix offer extended-release versions. Always verify pills via FDA-approved identifiers, as imprints vary by manufacturer.