        * Author for correspondence; Email: ajsuresh2001@yahoo.co.uk                        Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Madras Medical College, CHENNAI – 600003 (T. N.) INDIA  Two simple, economical, accurate, and precise UV and first derivative spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the estimation of metaxalone in tablet formulation. Metaxalone has the absorbance maxima at 278 nm (MethodA), and in the first order derivative spectra, showed zero crossing at 278 nm (MethodB). Beer’s law is obeyed in the concentration range of 40240 ;g/mL in these two methods. The results of analysis were validated statistically and the recovery studies were found to be satisfactory. The additives and common excipients did not interfere in their determinations. ! "#$%: Metaxalone, UV Spectrophotometry, First order derivative spectroscopy, Ethanol.  Metaxalone is a muscle relaxant used to relax muscles and relieve pain caused by strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal conditions. It may impair mental and/or physical abilities required for performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle, especially when used with alcohol or other CNS depressants. It is chemically 5(3,5dimethyl phenoxy) methyl) oxazolidin2one. Literature survey has indicated that, no spectroscopic method has been developed for the determination of metaxalone in tablets. UV and first order derivative spectroscopy provide greater selectivity than common spectroscopy and offer powerful approaches for resolution of band overlapping. The aim of the present study is the development of simple, accurate and sensitive UV and first derivative spectroscopic methods for the determination of metaxalone.