Methocarbamol 750mg Tablets
It is used to relax muscles.
Drug Class
Skeletal Muscle Relaxant
Pharmacologic Class
Centrally Acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxant
Pregnancy Category
C
FDA Approved
Jul 1957
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant that helps relieve muscle spasms and the pain or discomfort associated with them. It works by calming your brain and nervous system, which in turn helps relax your muscles.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, taking it with food may help.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Keep your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom. Ensure all medications are stored safely and out of reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist for guidance on proper disposal. Many areas have drug take-back programs, which your pharmacist can help you find.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, follow your doctor's instructions and do not take it more frequently than recommended.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, taking it with food may help.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Keep your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom. Ensure all medications are stored safely and out of reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist for guidance on proper disposal. Many areas have drug take-back programs, which your pharmacist can help you find.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, follow your doctor's instructions and do not take it more frequently than recommended.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants (e.g., sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids) as they can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you, as it can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
- Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly after prolonged use without consulting your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms may occur.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Initial: 1500 mg four times a day for 2 to 3 days. Maintenance: 1000 mg four times a day, or 750 mg every four hours, or 1500 mg three times a day.
Dose Range:
3000 - 4500 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
acute_conditions:
Initial 1500 mg QID for 48-72 hours, then adjust to patient response.
maintenance:
750 mg Q4H or 1000 mg QID or 1500 mg TID
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established
Child:
Not established
Adolescent:
Not recommended for use in children under 16 years of age.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
Use with caution; dose adjustment may be necessary based on clinical response and adverse effects.
Moderate:
Use with caution; dose adjustment may be necessary based on clinical response and adverse effects.
Severe:
Use with caution; dose adjustment may be necessary due to potential for accumulation of metabolites.
Dialysis:
Methocarbamol and its metabolites are dialyzable to a limited extent. Use with caution.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
Use with caution; dose adjustment may be necessary.
Moderate:
Use with caution; dose adjustment may be necessary due to impaired metabolism.
Severe:
Use with caution; dose adjustment may be necessary due to impaired metabolism.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
The precise mechanism of action of methocarbamol in humans has not been established. It is believed to produce its therapeutic effects through general central nervous system (CNS) depression, rather than by direct action on the skeletal muscles themselves. It has no direct relaxant effect on tense skeletal muscles in man.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Not precisely quantified, but well absorbed.
Tmax:
Approximately 1 to 2 hours
FoodEffect:
Food may slightly delay absorption but does not significantly affect the extent of absorption.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not precisely quantified, but widely distributed.
ProteinBinding:
Approximately 46% to 50%
CnssPenetration:
Yes
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Approximately 1 to 2 hours
Clearance:
Not precisely quantified
ExcretionRoute:
Primarily renal (urine) as metabolites.
Unchanged:
Less than 1% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine.
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within 30 minutes
PeakEffect:
Approximately 2 hours
DurationOfAction:
Approximately 4 to 6 hours
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Seizures
Severe dizziness or fainting
Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Memory problems or loss
Confusion
Changes in vision
Inability to control eye movements
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Upset stomach or vomiting
Dizziness or drowsiness
Headache
Flushing
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Stuffy nose
Metallic taste
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Seizures
Severe dizziness or fainting
Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Memory problems or loss
Confusion
Changes in vision
Inability to control eye movements
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Upset stomach or vomiting
Dizziness or drowsiness
Headache
Flushing
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Stuffy nose
Metallic taste
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe dizziness or drowsiness
- Fainting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
- Seizures
- Dark urine or pale stools
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any health problems you have, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any health problems you have, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Before engaging in activities that require your full attention, such as driving, wait until you understand how this drug affects you.
Be aware that this medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Therefore, it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.
Before consuming alcohol, using marijuana or other cannabis products, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness, consult with your doctor. This medication is typically used in conjunction with rest, physical therapy, pain management medications, and other therapies.
If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication, it is vital to contact your doctor immediately, as it may harm the unborn baby. Additionally, if you are breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks to your baby with your doctor.
Be aware that this medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Therefore, it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.
Before consuming alcohol, using marijuana or other cannabis products, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness, consult with your doctor. This medication is typically used in conjunction with rest, physical therapy, pain management medications, and other therapies.
If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication, it is vital to contact your doctor immediately, as it may harm the unborn baby. Additionally, if you are breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks to your baby with your doctor.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Loss of muscle tone
- Profound weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Seizures
- Coma
- Respiratory depression
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is generally supportive, including gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and maintenance of vital signs. Hemodialysis may be of limited value.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Pyridostigmine (in patients with myasthenia gravis)
Major Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) - potential for antagonism of effects.
- Anticholinergic drugs - additive anticholinergic effects.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Baseline pain and muscle spasm assessment
Rationale: To establish a starting point for evaluating treatment efficacy.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Assessment for contraindications (e.g., myasthenia gravis)
Rationale: To ensure safe use and avoid adverse interactions.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Renal and hepatic function (if pre-existing impairment or long-term use anticipated)
Rationale: To assess baseline organ function and guide potential dose adjustments.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Clinical response (reduction in pain/spasm)
Frequency: Daily to weekly, then as needed
Target: Subjective improvement reported by patient
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may indicate need for dose adjustment or alternative therapy.
Adverse effects (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness, nausea)
Frequency: Daily, especially during initial therapy and dose adjustments
Target: Absence or mild, tolerable side effects
Action Threshold: Significant or intolerable side effects may require dose reduction or discontinuation.
Signs of CNS depression (e.g., excessive sedation, impaired coordination)
Frequency: Daily, especially when co-administered with other CNS depressants
Target: Alertness appropriate for activity level
Action Threshold: Excessive sedation or impaired coordination requires immediate assessment and potential dose reduction or discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Fever
- Rash
- Itching
- Urticaria
- Conjunctivitis
- Nasal congestion
- Metallic taste
- Anorexia
- GI upset
- Jaundice (rare)
- Bradycardia (rare)
- Seizures (rare)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Methocarbamol is Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown adverse effects, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for fetal harm based on animal data; use only if clearly needed.
Second Trimester:
Potential for fetal harm based on animal data; use only if clearly needed.
Third Trimester:
Potential for fetal harm based on animal data; use only if clearly needed. Neonatal CNS depression is a theoretical risk if used close to delivery.
Lactation
Methocarbamol and/or its metabolites are excreted in breast milk. Due to the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Infant Risk:
L3 (Moderate risk) - Potential for infant drowsiness, poor feeding, or other CNS effects. Monitor infant closely.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 16 years have not been established. Use is generally not recommended in this population.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to the CNS depressant effects (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, falls) of methocarbamol. Lower doses and careful titration may be necessary. Monitor closely for adverse effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Methocarbamol is generally considered less sedating than some other muscle relaxants (e.g., carisoprodol) but still causes significant CNS depression.
- It is often preferred for short-term use in acute musculoskeletal conditions.
- Patients should be advised about the potential for urine discoloration (green, brown, or black) which is a harmless effect of the drug.
- Avoid use in patients with known or suspected myasthenia gravis, especially if they are on pyridostigmine, as methocarbamol may inhibit the action of cholinesterase inhibitors.
Alternative Therapies
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
- Metaxalone (Skelaxin)
- Carisoprodol (Soma)
- Baclofen (Lioresal)
- Non-pharmacological therapies (e.g., rest, physical therapy, heat/cold application)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies, typically $10-$50 per 30 tablets
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or 2 (Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.