Methocarbamol

💊 What is Methocarbamol used for?

• •The label says methocarbamol is used as an adjunct (an add-on) to rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relieve discomfort from acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.

How it works

The label says the way methocarbamol works has not been clearly identified, but it may be related to its sedative (calming) properties. The label also says methocarbamol does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in people.

How it is usually taken

• •Taken by mouth as a tablet. The label gives dosing instructions for adults, which usually include a higher amount at the start of treatment and a lower amount afterward. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •500 mg tablets
• •750 mg tablets

⚠️ Methocarbamol side effects

🛑 Who should not take Methocarbamol, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You are hypersensitive (allergic) to methocarbamol or to any of the tablet components. The label says methocarbamol is contraindicated in this case.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •The label says methocarbamol may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Be cautious until you are reasonably certain it does not affect your ability to do these activities.
• •The label says to be cautious about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants.
• •The label says safe use during pregnancy has not been established, and it should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant unless the doctor judges the benefits outweigh the possible hazards.
• •The label says safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 16.
• •The label lists serious reactions such as allergic reactions (anaphylactic reaction, angioneurotic edema), seizures, and jaundice. It does not say how urgently to respond to them, so talk with your prescriber or pharmacist promptly if you notice any of these or other unusual symptoms.
• •Tell your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis, since the label says methocarbamol may inhibit the effect of pyridostigmine bromide and should be used with caution in people receiving anticholinesterase agents.

🔀 Methocarbamol with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Alcohol. The label says combined effects with alcohol may occur because of the CNS-depressant effect.
• •Other CNS depressants. The label says to be cautious about combined effects with these medicines.
• •Pyridostigmine bromide. The label says methocarbamol may inhibit its effect, and it should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis who receive anticholinesterase agents.
• •Laboratory tests. The label says methocarbamol may cause color interference in certain screening tests for 5-HIAA (using nitrosonaphthol reagent) and urinary VMA (using the Gitlow method).

Alcohol and food

The label specifically warns about combined effects with alcohol, which can add to the CNS-depressant effects. The label does not give specific food instructions.

🤰 Methocarbamol in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says safe use has not been established regarding possible effects on fetal development, and there have been reports of fetal and congenital abnormalities after in utero exposure. It says methocarbamol should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant, especially in early pregnancy, unless the doctor judges the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards. The label also lists the drug as Pregnancy Category C and says it is not known whether methocarbamol can cause fetal harm.

Breastfeeding

The label says methocarbamol and its metabolites are excreted in dog milk, but it is not known whether they are excreted in human milk. It says caution should be used when giving methocarbamol to a nursing woman.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), which is controlled room temperature. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. The label says the packages are unit dose packages that are not child resistant and are intended for institutional use only. Do not use if the blister is torn or broken.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says overdose is often combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants. Symptoms listed include nausea, drowsiness, blurred vision, low blood pressure (hypotension), seizures, and coma. The label says deaths have been reported with overdose, alone or with other CNS depressants, alcohol, or psychotropic drugs. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, and the label says hemodialysis is of unknown usefulness. Seek emergency medical help right away if an overdose is suspected.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Methocarbamol

• How much methocarbamol should I take, and how long should I take it?
• Is it safe for me to drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine?
• Can I have alcohol or take other sedating medicines with methocarbamol?
• Could methocarbamol affect my myasthenia gravis medicine (pyridostigmine)?
• What should I do if I think I am pregnant or am breastfeeding?
• Which side effects should prompt me to call you right away?

❓ Methocarbamol: frequently asked questions