Methocarbamol is a medication used to help relieve discomfort from acute, painful muscle and bone conditions, often alongside rest and physical therapy. It works by affecting the central nervous system to reduce muscle spasms and pain, though it doesn't directly relax the muscles themselves..
Typical Cost
$15–$40/month
Status
Rx
Generic
Brand Only
Tizanidine is the lowest-cost Skeletal Muscle Relaxants at $4–$25/month/month
Uses & Indications
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Methocarbamol tablets are indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of methocarbamol has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties. Methocarbamol does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man.
Dosage & Administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Methocarbamol Tablets USP, 500 mg – Adults: Initial dosage: 3 tablets q.i.d. Maintenance dosage: 2 tablets q.i.d. Methocarbamol Tablets USP, 750 mg – Adults: Initial dosage: 2 tablets q.i.d. Maintenance dosage: 1 tablet q.4h. or 2 tablets t.i.d. Six grams a day are recommended for the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment. (For severe conditions 8 grams a day may be administered). Thereafter, the dosage can usually be reduced to approximately 4 grams a day.
Side Effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions reported coincident with the administration of methocarbamol include: Body as a whole : Anaphylactic reaction, angioneurotic edema, fever, headache Cardiovascular system : Bradycardia, flushing, hypotension, syncope, thrombophlebitis Digestive system: Dyspepsia, jaundice (including cholestatic jaundice), nausea and vomiting Hemic and lymphatic system: Leukopenia Immune system : Hypersensitivity reactions Nervous system: Amnesia, confusion, diplopia, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, insomnia, mild muscular incoordination, nystagmus, sedation, seizures (including grand mal), vertigo Skin and special senses : Blurred vision, conjunctivitis, nasal congestion, metallic taste, pruritus, rash, urticaria
Warnings & Precautions
WARNINGS Since methocarbamol may possess a general CNS depressant effect, patients receiving methocarbamol tablets should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. Safe use of methocarbamol tablets has not been established with regard to possible adverse effects upon fetal development. There have been reports of fetal and congenital abnormalities following in utero exposure to methocarbamol. Therefore, methocarbamol tablets should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant and particularly during early pregnancy unless in the judgment of the physician the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards (see PRECAUTIONS , Pregnancy ). Use In Activities Requiring Mental Alertness Methocarbamol may impair mental and/or physical abilities required for performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Patients should be cautioned about operating machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that methocarbamol therapy does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Methocarbamol tablets are contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to methocarbamol or to any of the tablet components.
Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS for interaction with CNS drugs and alcohol. Methocarbamol may inhibit the effect of pyridostigmine bromide. Therefore, methocarbamol should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis receiving anticholinesterase agents.
Overdosage
OVERDOSAGE Limited information is available on the acute toxicity of methocarbamol. Overdose of methocarbamol is frequently in conjunction with alcohol or other CNS depressants and includes the following symptoms: nausea, drowsiness, blurred vision, hypotension, seizures, and coma. In post-marketing experience, deaths have been reported with an overdose of methocarbamol alone or in the presence of other CNS depressants, alcohol or psychotropic drugs. Treatment Management of overdose includes symptomatic and supportive treatment. Supportive measures include maintenance of an adequate airway, monitoring urinary output and vital signs, and administration of intravenous fluids if necessary. The usefulness of hemodialysis in managing overdose is unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is METHOCARBAMOL used for?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Methocarbamol tablets are indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of methocarbamol has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties. Methocarbamol does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man.
What is the recommended dosage for METHOCARBAMOL?
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Methocarbamol Tablets USP, 500 mg – Adults: Initial dosage: 3 tablets q.i.d. Maintenance dosage: 2 tablets q.i.d. Methocarbamol Tablets USP, 750 mg – Adults: Initial dosage: 2 tablets q.i.d. Maintenance dosage: 1 tablet q.4h. or 2 tablets t.i.d. Six grams a day are recommended for the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment. (For severe conditions 8 grams a day may be administered). Thereafter, the dosage can usually be reduced to approximately 4 grams a day.
Who should not take METHOCARBAMOL?
CONTRAINDICATIONS Methocarbamol tablets are contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to methocarbamol or to any of the tablet components.
What are the side effects of METHOCARBAMOL?
ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions reported coincident with the administration of methocarbamol include: Body as a whole : Anaphylactic reaction, angioneurotic edema, fever, headache Cardiovascular system : Bradycardia, flushing, hypotension, syncope, thrombophlebitis Digestive system: Dyspepsia, jaundice (including cholestatic jaundice), nausea and vomiting Hemic and lymphatic system: Leukopenia Immune system : Hypersensitivity reactions Nervous system: Amnesia, confusion, diplopia, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, insomnia, mild muscular incoordination, nystagmus, sedation,…
What drugs interact with METHOCARBAMOL?
Drug Interactions See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS for interaction with CNS drugs and alcohol. Methocarbamol may inhibit the effect of pyridostigmine bromide. Therefore, methocarbamol should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis receiving anticholinesterase agents.
What are the important warnings for METHOCARBAMOL?
WARNINGS Since methocarbamol may possess a general CNS depressant effect, patients receiving methocarbamol tablets should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. Safe use of methocarbamol tablets has not been established with regard to possible adverse effects upon fetal development. There have been reports of fetal and congenital abnormalities following in utero exposure to methocarbamol. Therefore, methocarbamol tablets should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant and particularly during early pregnancy unless in the judgment of the…
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