Which of the following is a skeletal muscle relaxant?

• A. Analgesics
• B. Opioids
• C. Skeletal muscle relaxants
• D. Calcium supplements

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is recognizing a drug class that directly reduces skeletal muscle tone and spasm. Skeletal muscle relaxants are specifically used to relieve muscle spasms by dampening nerve signals to the muscles, either through actions in the central nervous system or at the muscle itself. This makes them the best fit for a question asking which option relaxes skeletal muscle. Analgesics relieve pain, and opioids are strong pain relievers that may have sedative effects but aren’t aimed at relaxing muscles. Calcium supplements support bone health and mineral balance, not muscle relaxation. In practice, these relaxants are often used short-term for acute muscle strain or spasm, with side effects like drowsiness or dizziness. Examples include baclofen, tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, and carisoprodol.