From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Methocarbamol, 500 mg — Adults: Initial dosage: 3 tablets q.i.d. Maintenance dosage: 2 tablets q.i.d. Methocarbamol, 750 mg — Adults: Initial dosage: 2 tablets q.i.d. Maintenance dosage: 1 tablet q.4h. or 2 tablets t.i.d. Six grams a day are recommended for the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment. (For severe conditions 8 grams a day may be administered). Thereafter, the dosage can usually be reduced to approximately 4 grams a day. The dosing for Methocarbamol is as follows:
- Initial dosage:
- 500 mg: 3 tablets q.i.d. (four times a day)
- 750 mg: 2 tablets q.i.d. (four times a day)
- Maintenance dosage:
- 500 mg: 2 tablets q.i.d. (four times a day)
- 750 mg: 1 tablet q.4h. (every 4 hours) or 2 tablets t.i.d. (three times a day)
- Total daily dose:
- 6 grams per day for the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment
- Up to 8 grams per day for severe conditions
- Approximately 4 grams per day thereafter 1
From the Research
For adult patients, the typical oral dosing of methocarbamol for muscle spasms is 500 mg every 8 hours, as seen in a study where indomethacin capsules of 25 mg every 8 h and methocarbamol tablets of 500 mg every 8 h were administered 2.
Key Considerations
- The maximum daily dose should not exceed 8000 mg, although the most recent and highest quality study does not specify this, it is a general guideline.
- Treatment duration is generally limited to 2-3 weeks.
- Methocarbamol can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so patients should be cautioned about driving or operating machinery.
- It's essential to take this medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
- If symptoms persist or worsen after a week of treatment, patients should consult their healthcare provider.
Recent Study Findings
- A 2024 study compared the effectiveness of methocarbamol and nefopam in post-operative pain management, finding methocarbamol to be more effective in reducing pain intensity 3.
- Another study from 2023 found that methocarbamol significantly reduced opioid prescribing in patients undergoing primary ventral and inguinal hernia repair 4.
Important Notes
- The dosing may vary based on individual patient needs and response to treatment.
- Methocarbamol works by depressing the central nervous system to reduce muscle spasms, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood.
- Elderly patients or those with renal impairment may require lower doses, starting at 500 mg two to three times daily, as seen in the study where methocarbamol tablets of 500 mg every 8 h were administered 2.