Methocarbamol (8 brand names, 4 dosage forms, 3 routes)
Available dosage forms: TABLET, SOLUTION, SUSPENSION, INJECTABLE.
Routes of administration: ORAL, IM-IV, INJECTION.
Brand Names
- ATMEKSI
- DELAXIN
- FORBAXIN
- METHOCARBAMOL
- METHOCARBAMOL AND ASPIRIN
- ROBAXIN
- ROBAXIN-750
- ROBAXISAL
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 and Administration
Methocarbamol tablets, 500 mg - Adults: Initial dosage: 3 tablets 4 times daily. Maintenance dosage: 2 tablets 4 times daily. Methocarbamol tablets: 750 mg - Adults: Initial dosage: 2 tablets 4 times daily. Maintenance dosage: 1 tablet q.4h. or 2 tablets 3 times daily. 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.
Contraindications
Methocarbamol tablets are contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to methocarbamol or to any of the tablet components.
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
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
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.