Methocarbamol
ROBAXIN
Pronunciation: meth-oe-KAR-ba-moel
“Metal Carl Row-backs in”
muscles → muscle relaxant
What it isCentral muscle relaxant of uncertain mechanism; acute musculoskeletal spasm.
Why this oneIt is less antimuscarinic than cyclobenzaprine, making it pragmatic when cognitive and urinary effects matter.
What limits itSedation, dizziness and weak efficacy limit benefit; warn that urine discoloration can occur.
FDA-approved for
- muscle spasm (~1957)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal conditions (adjunct) | adult | 1500 mg QID (500 mg tab x3) or 1500 mg QID (750 mg tab x2) | ~4 g/day (500 mg: 1000 mg QID; 750 mg: 750 mg q4h or 1500 mg TID) | 8 g/day (severe conditions) |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- 6 g/day for first 48-72 hours (up to 8 g/day for severe conditions), then reduce to ~4 g/day
Available strengths
- tab 500, 750, 1000 mg
- sol 1 g/10 mL
- susp 750 mg/5 mL
- inj 100 mg/mL
Cautions
- Anaphylactic reaction, angioneurotic edema
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Seizures (including grand mal)
- Sedation/drowsiness — may impair mental/physical abilities
- Leukopenia
- Jaundice (incl. cholestatic)
Adverse reactions
- Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness
- Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia
- Blurred vision, headache
- Bradycardia, hypotension, syncope, flushing
- Rash, urticaria, pruritus
- Metallic taste, nasal congestion
Pregnancy Category C; reports of fetal/congenital abnormalities; avoid in women who are or may become pregnant unless benefit outweighs risk
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Generic entry1982
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskSedation
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryUnknown / historical label unavailable
Defining liabilityGenerally tolerated at therapeutic doses; clinically important risks are agent-specific and increase with interactions or organ impairment.
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