Methocarbamol Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Methocarbamol is used to treat muscle spasms/pain. It is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatment. It works by helping to relax the muscles.

How to use Methocarbamol

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, stomach upset, nausea/vomiting, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, fainting, slow heartbeat, yellowing eyes/skin, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, forgetfulness).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking methocarbamol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion, dizziness, or drowsiness. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including VMA or 5-HIAA urine screening test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Methocarbamol interact with other drugs you are taking?

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness/dizziness, seizures, loss of consciousness.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

methocarbamol 750 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: oblongImprint: H 115

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 750 mg tablet

Color: orangeShape: oblongImprint: B135

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 500 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: roundImprint: S 225

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 750 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: oblongImprint: S 226

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 500 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: roundImprint: West-ward 290

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 500 mg tablet

Color: light orangeShape: roundImprint: B134

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 750 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: oblongImprint: 612 logo

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 500 mg tablet

Color: light orangeShape: roundImprint: G 500

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 500 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: roundImprint: 611 and logo

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 750 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: oblongImprint: ASC 750

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 500 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: roundImprint: ASC 500

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 500 mg tablet

Color: orangeShape: roundImprint: AP212

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 750 mg tablet

Color: yellowShape: oblongImprint: AP211

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 750 mg tablet

Color: light orangeShape: oblongImprint: G 750

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 500 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: oblongImprint: H 114

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 750 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: oblongImprint: West-ward 292

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 750 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: oblongImprint: logo 612

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

methocarbamol 500 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: roundImprint: 4211 V

This medicine is a white, oblong, tablet imprinted with “H” and “115”.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Methocarbamol Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments

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Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 6, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 500 mg; 750 mg; 100 mg/mL

Usual Adult Dose for:

• Muscle Spasm
• Tetanus

Usual Pediatric Dose for:

• Tetanus

Additional dosage information:

• Renal Dose Adjustments
• Liver Dose Adjustments
• Precautions
• Dialysis
• Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Muscle Spasm

ORAL:
Initial Dose: 1500 mg orally 4 times a day

• Doses of 6000 mg per day are generally used for the first 48 to 72 hours
• In severe cases, doses up to 8000 mg per day may be used

Maintenance dose:
500 mg tablets: 1000 mg orally 4 times a day
750 mg Tablets: 750 mg orally every 4 hours OR 1500 mg orally 3 times a day

PARENTERAL:

• For the relief of moderate symptoms: 1 g IV or IM once, then switch to oral
• For relief of severe symptoms or postoperative conditions: 1 g IV or IM every 8 hours

Maximum Dose: 3 g in 24-hours
Maximum Duration: 3 consecutive days; may repeat after a drug-free interval of 48 hours

Comments:

• Higher doses are recommended in the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment, then doses can usually be reduced to approximately 4000 mg per day.
• Oral tablets should be administered whenever feasible; IV/IM therapy should not be administered for more than 3 consecutive days without a drug-free interval of 48 hours.

Use: As an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Usual Adult Dose for Tetanus

Initial dose: 1 to 2 g IV followed by an additional 1 to 2 g via IV infusion
Maximal Initial Dose: 3 g

Repeat initial IV dose every 6 hours until NG tube or oral therapy is possible

Once NG tube is in place, may crush tablets, suspend in water or saline and administer through tube

• Total oral doses of up to 24 g may be needed based on patient response

Comments:

• There is clinical evidence to suggest this drug may have a beneficial effect in the control of the neuromuscular manifestations of tetanus.
• This drug should not replace the usual procedure of debridement, tetanus antitoxin, penicillin, tracheotomy, attention to fluid balance, and supportive care; if used, this drug should be added to the regimen as soon as possible.

Use: To control the neuromuscular manifestations of tetanus.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Tetanus

Initial dose: 15 mg/kg or 500 mg/m2 IV; repeat initial dose every 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 1.8 g/m2/day IV for 3 consecutive days

Maintenance dose: May be given by injection into tubing or by IV infusion with an appropriate quantity of fluid

Comments:

• There is clinical evidence to suggest this drug may have a beneficial effect in the control of the neuromuscular manifestations of tetanus.
• This drug should not replace the usual procedure of debridement, tetanus antitoxin, penicillin, tracheotomy, attention to fluid balance, and supportive care; if used, this drug should be added to the regimen as soon as possible.

Use: To control the neuromuscular manifestations of tetanus.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Oral therapy: No adjustment recommended
Injectable therapy: Not recommended in patients with renal insufficiency due to the high concentration of polyethylene glycol in the solution

Liver Dose Adjustments

Use with caution, dose adjustment may be required, especially in patients with cirrhosis; however, no specific guidelines have been suggested

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to active substance or any product excipients
• Known or suspected renal pathology (injection; due to presence of polyethylene glycol 300 in the vehicle)

Safety and efficacy or oral therapy have not been established in patients younger than 16 years.
Safety and efficacy or injectable therapy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years, except in tetanus.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:
Oral Therapy: Take orally with or without food

Injectable Therapy:

• For IV and IM administration only; do not administer subcutaneously
• Total daily dose should not exceed 3 g per day (3 vials) for more than 3 consecutive days except in the treatment of tetanus; see below for special directions for use in tetanus

For IV Administration:

• May administer undiluted IV directly into vein at a maximum rate of 300 mg/minute (3 mL/minute)
• May dilute and administer via IV infusion using normal saline or D5W; 1 g (1 vial) should be diluted in no more than 250 mL
• Use caution to avoid vascular extravasation; this hypertonic solution may cause thrombophlebitis
• Patient should remain recumbent during and for at least 10 to 15 minutes following injection

For IM Administration:

• Inject no more than 500 mg (5 mL) into each gluteal region
• Injections may be repeated at 8-hour intervals; switch to oral therapy as soon as feasible

Special Directions for Use in Tetanus:

• Inject 1 or 2 g (10 or 20 mL) directly into tubing of inserted indwelling needle.
• Add 1 or 2 g (10 or 20 mL) to infusion bottle to allow for a total of 3 g (3 vials) as initial dose

Storage requirements:

• Once IV infusion is prepared: Do not refrigerate

IV compatibility: Compatible in normal saline and dextrose 5% solution

General:

• Polyethylene glycol 300 is present in the injectable formulation; large doses of polyethylene glycol 300 are known to increase preexisting acidosis and urea retention in patients with renal impairment; while the amount present is within the limits of safety, use is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment out of an abundance of caution.

Patient advice:

• Patients should understand that this drug may impair their mental and/or physical abilities to perform hazardous tasks such as driving, and they should be counseled appropriately.
• Patients should understand that this drug is a CNS depressant and patients should be cautioned about concomitant use of alcohol or other CNS depressants.
• Patients should be instructed to speak with their healthcare provider if they are pregnant, intending to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Other brands

Robaxin, Robaxin-750

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Muscle Spasm
• Opiate Withdrawal
• Tetanus

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Methocarbamol – instructions for use

Methocarbamol

Instruction:

• Pharmacological action
• Readings
• Contraindications
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Dosage and Administration
• Side effects
• Transport management
• Classification

Pharmacological action

Methocarbamol is a central muscle relaxant that blocks polysynaptic reflexes of the spinal cord, reduces nerve transmission in the spinal and supraspinal polysynaptic pathways and prolongs the refractory period of muscle cells. Methocarbamol does not affect the contraction of muscle fibers, motor end plates or nerve fibers.

Indications

• Painful muscle spasm in diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system;
• complementary treatment for tetanus.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to methocarbamol.
• Renal insufficiency (for injectable form).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use in pregnancy

FDA fetal category C.

No adequate and well-controlled clinical studies have been conducted on the safety of methocarbamol during pregnancy.

The use of methocarbamol in pregnant women is not recommended, unless absolutely necessary, when the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Use during breastfeeding

Special studies on the safety of the use of methocarbamol during breastfeeding have not been conducted.

It is not known if the drug is excreted in breast milk. A risk to the infant cannot be ruled out.

It is recommended to stop breast-feeding if the drug is used.

Dosage and Administration

Children, tetanus only, IV: 15 mg/kg or 500 mg/m ² every 6 hours, maximum dose 1.8 g/m ² /day for 3 days.

Adults: muscle spasm – by mouth: 1.5 g 4 times a day for 2-3 days, then 4-4.5 g / day in 3-6 divided doses; intramuscularly, intravenously (if it is impossible to ingest): 1 g 3 times a day for 3 days; tetanus IV: 1–2 g bolus, then infusion, 1–2 g, maximum total dose 3 g; if necessary, this scheme is repeated every 6 hours.

Side effects

The frequency of adverse reactions has not been determined.

From the cardiovascular system

Bradycardia, hyperemia, hypotension, syncope, thrombophlebitis.

From the side of the central nervous system

Amnesia, ataxia, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, metallic taste, sedation, convulsions, dizziness.

Skin

Itching, skin rash, urticaria.

From the gastrointestinal tract

Dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting.

Hematological and oncological disorders

Leukopenia.

From the liver

Cholestatic jaundice, jaundice.

Hypersensitivity

Anaphylaxis, angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions.

Local

Local exfoliation of the skin (injection), pain at the injection site.

On the part of the organ of vision

Blurred vision, conjunctivitis, diplopia, nystagmus.

Respiratory

Nasal congestion.

Other

Fever.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and control mechanisms

Due to the fact that methocarbamol can cause dizziness and drowsiness, it is necessary to refrain from driving vehicles and engaging in activities that require increased concentration of attention and speed of psychomotor reactions.

Classification

• ATX

  M03BA03

• Pharmacological group

  n-anticholinergics (muscle relaxants)

• ICD codes 10

  A35 Other forms of tetanus

  R25.3 Fasciculation

  R52.9 Pain, unspecified

• FDA pregnancy category

  C
  (risk not excluded)

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Find out more about the active substance Methocarbamol:

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• Reviews
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• Latin name
• Chemical formula

Information about the active substance Methocarbamol is intended for medical and pharmaceutical professionals, for reference purposes only. The instructions are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information contained here may change over time. The most accurate information on the use of preparations containing the active substance Metocarbamol is contained in the manufacturer’s instructions attached to the package.

instructions for use, dosage, composition, analogues, side effects / Pillintrip

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Methocarbamol

Composition

Methocarbamol

Formulations

Tablet

Therapeutic indications

As a short-term adjunct to the symptomatic treatment of acute musculoskeletal disorders associated with painful muscle spasms.

Dosage and Administration

For oral use.

Dosage

Adults: The usual dose is 2 tablets four times daily, but therapeutic response has been achieved with doses as low as 1 tablet three times daily.

Elderly: Half the maximum dose or less may be sufficient to obtain a therapeutic response.

Pediatric population

Not recommended.

Liver disorders

In patients with chronic liver disease, the half-life may be increased. Therefore, consideration should be given to increasing the dose interval.

Contraindications

Coma or precoma. Known brain damage or epilepsy. Myasthenia gravis.

Special warnings and precautions

Methocarbamol 750 should be used with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.

Effects on the ability to drive and use machines

This product may cause drowsiness and patients receiving it should not drive or operate machinery unless their physical and mental abilities are not affected – especially if other drugs that may cause drowsiness are also being taken.

Side effects

Adverse reactions reported concomitantly with methocarbamol include

Body as a Whole: Angioedema, anaphylactic reaction, fever, headache.

Cardiovascular system: Bradycardia, flushing, hypotension, syncope.

Digestive system: Dyspepsia, jaundice (including cholestatic jaundice), nausea and vomiting.

Blood and lymphatic system: Leukopenia.

Nervous System: Restlessness, anxiety, tremor, amnesia, confusion, diplopia, dizziness or vertigo, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, mild muscle incoordination, nystagmus, convulsions (including grand mal).

Skin and special sensations: Blurred vision, conjunctivitis with nasal congestion, metallic taste, itching, rash, urticaria.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions

It is important to report suspected adverse reactions after a medicinal product has been approved. This allows you to constantly monitor the balance of benefit / risk of the drug. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions through the Yellow Card System, website: www. mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Overdose

Limited information is available on the acute toxicity of methocarbamol. An overdose of methocarbamol is often combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants and includes the following symptoms: nausea, drowsiness, blurred vision, hypotension, seizures, and coma. One adult survived after deliberately ingesting 22 to 30 grams of methocarbamol without serious toxicity. Another adult survived a dose of 30 to 50 grams. The main symptom in both cases was extreme drowsiness. Treatment was symptomatic and recovery was uneventful. However, there have been cases of fatal overdose.

Treatment of overdose includes symptomatic and supportive treatment. Supportive measures include maintaining an adequate airway, monitoring urination and vital signs, and administering intravenous fluids if necessary. The usefulness of hemodialysis in the treatment of overdose is unknown.

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Muscle relaxants, centrally acting drugs

Methocarbamol-750 is used as a short-term adjunct to the symptomatic treatment of acute disorders of the musculoskeletal system associated with painful muscle spasms.

The mechanism of action of methocarbamol in humans has not been established, but may be due to general depression of the central nervous system. It has no direct effect on the contractile mechanism of the striated muscle, motor lamina or nerve fiber.

Pharmacokinetics

Methocarbamol is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and produces peak plasma concentrations in about 1-3 hours. Its activity comes from an intact molecule, and only a small part is converted to guaifenesin.

Impaired renal function

The clearance of methocarbamol in patients with impaired renal function on maintenance hemodialysis was reduced by approximately 40% compared with the normal population, although the mean half-life in the two groups was the same (1.2 and 1. 1 hour respectively).

Hepatic disorders

In patients with liver cirrhosis secondary to alcoholism, the mean total clearance of methocarbamol was reduced by approximately 70% compared with the normal population (11.