Methocarbamol
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant that works on the central nervous system. It is taken as a tablet and used with rest and physical therapy to ease the pain and tightness that follow strains, sprains and other muscle injuries. Robaxin is one brand of methocarbamol tablets available here.
Medicine containing Methocarbamol
Key points
- Effects usually begin within 30 to 60 minutes and last around 4 to 6 hours.
- Drowsiness is common, so driving and operating machinery should be avoided until you know how the medicine affects you.
- Alcohol and sedative medicines add to its depressant effect on the nervous system and should not be combined with it.
What methocarbamol is used for
It is an anti-spasmodic agent for involuntary skeletal muscle spasms and acute musculoskeletal pain. It is used for temporary relief of back pain and muscle spasm when rest and physical therapy alone leave discomfort unresolved. It forms part of a broader approach to pain management rather than a replacement for rest and rehabilitation.
How it works
Methocarbamol acts centrally in the nervous system to produce muscle relaxation. The mechanism is not fully understood, but it involves general depressant effects and the blocking of pain impulses travelling from skeletal muscles to the brain. The result is less pain sensation and less tightness from spasm.
Forms and brands
Methocarbamol is supplied as a tablet. MayChemist lists Robaxin 500mg tablets, a branded generic containing methocarbamol, shipped to Malaysia in discreet packaging by pharmacy partners in India.
Safety
Methocarbamol must not be used by anyone with a history of hypersensitivity to the medicine or its excipients, and it is contraindicated in coma, brain damage and myasthenia gravis. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid it, particularly in early pregnancy, unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks; case reports have documented fetal and congenital abnormalities. Breastfeeding suitability should be confirmed with a clinician or pharmacist before use.
Drowsiness, dizziness and lightheadedness are the usual minor effects, while nausea, itching and rash are also reported. Anaphylaxis and jaundice are serious and require immediate medical attention. Some people notice a metallic taste. Alcohol and sedatives should be avoided while taking it.
What the sources say
- Methocarbamol is used together with rest, physical therapy and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort from strains, sprains and other muscle injuries (MedlinePlus).
- It is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant that is FDA-approved for managing acute musculoskeletal pain (StatPearls).
- It treats involuntary skeletal muscle spasms, which distinguishes it from anti-spastic agents such as dantrolene and baclofen, which address spasticity from upper motor neuron disorders (StatPearls).
- Skeletal muscle relaxants, methocarbamol included, are listed in the Beers Criteria as medicines to be avoided in adults older than 65 (StatPearls).
Further reading
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