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Methocarbamol

  • Brand Name : Robaxin
  • Drug Class : Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
  • Medical Author : John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
  • Medical Reviewer :
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What Is Methocarbamol and How Does It Work?

Muscle pain

Methocarbamol is presumed to work by depressing the central nervous system, leading to the relaxation of muscles. 

Methocarbamol is 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.

Methocarbamol is available under the following different brand names: Robaxin.

    What Are the Dosages?

    Dosages of Methocarbamol

    Dosage Forms and Strengths

    Tablet

    • 500 mg
    • 700 mg

    Injectable solution

    • 100 mg/mL

    Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

    Muscle Spasm

    • Adults: 1 g intravenously/intramuscularly (IV/IM); additional doses at every 8 hours until orally; not to exceed 3 g/day
    • Total parenteral dose SHOULD NOT EXCEED 3 g/day for more than 3 days unless treating tetanus; if the condition persists, may repeat therapy after a drug-free interval of 48 hours
    • 1500 mg orally every 6 hours for 48-72 hours; not to exceed 8 g/day THEN decrease to 4-4.5 g/day divided every 4-8 hours
    • Children under 16 years: Safety and efficacy not established
    • Children over 16 years: 1500 mg orally every 6 hours for 48-72 hours; not to exceed 8 g/day THEN decrease to 4-4.5 g/day divided every 4-8 hours
    • Geriatric: 500 mg orally every 6 hours; may gradually titrate dose to response

    Tetanus

    Adult

    • Adjunct therapy: Initial 1-2 g intravenous (IV) injection (at 300 mg/min), THEN
    • Additional 1-2 g IV infusion for a total dose of 3 g initially
    • May repeat 1-2 g IV every 6 hours until can give nasogastrically (NG) or orally
    • A total of 24 g orally may be needed

    Pediatric

    • 15 mg/kg/dose IV every 6 hours as needed or 500 mg/m²/dose; not to exceed 1.8 g/m²/day for 3 days only

    Dosing Modifications

    • Renal failure: Not studied; parenteral dosage form contraindicated due to presence of polyethylene glycol
    • Hepatic failure: Not studied
    • Geriatric: Considered safe in elderly because of short half-life

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