Methocarbamol (generic Robaxin)

Brand names: Robaxin, Robaxin-750. Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.

[ Pronunciation: meth oh KAR ba mall ]

What is the most important information I should know about methocarbamol?
Use caution when driving an automobile, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Methocarbamol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid such activities. Use alcohol with care. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking methocarbamol. Consult with your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, itching, a fever, or nasal congestion during treatment with methocarbamol.

What is methocarbamol?
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Methocarbamol is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions. Methocarbamol is also often used in the treatment of tetanus. Methocarbamol may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Who should not take methocarbamol?
Before taking methocarbamol, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a seizure disorder. In which case, you may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy. It is not known whether methocarbamol will harm an unborn baby. Therefore, do not take methocarbamol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether methocarbamol passes into breast milk. Again, do not take methocarbamol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Methocarbamol is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I take methocarbamol?
Take methocarbamol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Methocarbamol is usually taken three or four times a day. With your prescription, follow your doctor's instructions. Store methocarbamol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dosage. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a methocarbamol overdose include drowsiness, confusion, and unconsciousness.

What are the possible side effects of methocarbamol?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking methocarbamol and seek emergency medical attention: allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); a rash or itching; a fever; or nasal congestion. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. If you experience the following, continue to take methocarbamol and consult your doctor: drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; headache or blurred vision; nausea or a metallic taste in your mouth; or brown, black, or green urine (this is not harmful). Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Consult your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially troublesome.

What other drugs will affect methocarbamol?
Many drugs can increase the effects of methocarbamol, which can lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine), clemastine (Tavist), and many others; narcotics (pain killers) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others); sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal); phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine); or antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with methocarbamol. Consult with your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has more information about methocarbamol written for health professionals that you may read.