Which of the following is not a centrally acting muscle relaxant?

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Prepare for the UCF HSC3147 Introduction to Pharmacology Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Enhance your exam readiness!

Probenecid, marketed under the brand name Benemid, is not classified as a centrally acting muscle relaxant. Instead, Probenecid is primarily used as a uricosuric agent to treat gout by increasing the excretion of uric acid in the urine. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting renal tubular reabsorption of uric acid, which is unrelated to muscle relaxation.

In contrast, Carisoprodol, Diazepam, and Baclofen are all centrally acting muscle relaxants. Carisoprodol is used to relieve muscle spasms and works by affecting the central nervous system. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, has muscle relaxant properties due to its action on GABA receptors, which enhances inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. Baclofen is a derivative of GABA that acts specifically at the spinal level to reduce muscle tone and spasms.

Understanding the specific uses and classifications of these medications is crucial in pharmacology, especially in differentiating their mechanisms and therapeutic applications.