Robaxin is a muscle relaxer. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
Robaxin is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury. Robaxin injection is sometimes used in the treatment of tetanus, (lockjaw) which causes painful tightening of the muscles.
Classified as a skeletal muscle relaxant, methocarbamol is a helpful medication used to manage acute musculoskeletal pain. This activity focuses on the pivotal indications, mechanism of action, and contraindications of methocarbamol in the treatment mosaic for acute musculoskeletal pain.
With a spotlight on considerations including adverse events, efficacy evidence, drug interactions, and monitoring imperatives, healthcare professionals are empowered to tailor treatment strategies adeptly. By discussing the pharmacology of methocarbamol, healthcare professionals are equipped to address patient needs with precision, underscoring the indispensable role of the interprofessional healthcare team in orchestrating methocarbamol therapy for pain alleviation in musculoskeletal domains.
Adult Initial Dosage:
Take 3 tablets every 6 hours for 2 to 3 days. Do not exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours.
Adult Maintenance Dosage:
Take 2 tablets every 6 hours. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
METHOCARBAMOL (meth oh KAR ba mole) treats muscle pain and stiffness. It works by calming overactive nerves in your body, which helps your muscles relax. It belongs to a group of medications called muscle relaxants.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Robaxin
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Kidney disease
- Seizures
- An unusual or allergic reaction to methocarbamol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Narcotic medications for cough
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Alcohol
- Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
- Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
- Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
- Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
- Cholinesterase inhibitors like neostigmine, ambenonium, and pyridostigmine bromide
- General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
- Local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
- Medications that relax muscles for surgery
- Narcotic medications for pain
- Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Upset stomach
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Narcotic medications for cough
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Alcohol
- Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
- Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
- Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
- Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
- Cholinesterase inhibitors like neostigmine, ambenonium, and pyridostigmine bromide
- General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
- Local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
- Medications that relax muscles for surgery
- Narcotic medications for pain
- Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.