Which medication is commonly used as a muscle relaxant?

Diazepam, known by the brand name Valium, is a medication that is commonly used as a muscle relaxant due to its properties as a benzodiazepine. It works by depressing the central nervous system, which leads to sedation, muscle relaxation, and the alleviation of anxiety. This mechanism makes it particularly effective for treating conditions that involve muscle spasms, tension, and anxiety-related muscle tightness.

In contrast, the other options have different primary uses: Cimetidine is primarily an H2-receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid, not for muscle relaxation. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication generally used to treat bradycardia or as an antidote for certain types of poisoning, and it does not serve as a muscle relaxant. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) typically used to reduce pain and inflammation, but it does not act as a muscle relaxant either.

Understanding the specific uses and effects of medications helps ensure safe and effective medication administration within the health care setting.