From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Methocarbamol tablets, 500 mg - Adults: Initial dosage: 3 tablets 4 times daily. Maintenance dosage: 2 tablets 4 times daily. Methocarbamol tablets: 750 mg - Adults: Initial dosage: 2 tablets 4 times daily. The starting dose of Methocarbamol (Robaxin) for adults is:
- 500 mg tablets: 3 tablets 4 times daily (total of 1500 mg 4 times daily) 1
- 750 mg tablets: 2 tablets 4 times daily (total of 1500 mg 4 times daily) 1 Key point: The recommended initial dose is approximately 1500 mg 4 times daily for the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment.
From the Research
The standard starting dose of methocarbamol (Robaxin) for adults is 1,500 mg (typically three 500 mg tablets) taken four times daily for the first 48-72 hours of treatment, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 2.
Key Considerations
- Methocarbamol is a centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant used to relieve pain and discomfort associated with muscle sprains, strains, or other musculoskeletal injuries when combined with rest and physical therapy.
- It works by depressing the central nervous system and has sedative properties that help reduce muscle spasm.
- Patients should take this medication with food if stomach upset occurs and should be aware that it may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision, so driving or operating machinery should be avoided until these effects are known.
- Alcohol and other CNS depressants should be avoided while taking methocarbamol as they can enhance the sedative effects.
Dosage Adjustments
- After the initial period, the dosage is usually reduced to 1,000 mg (two 500 mg tablets) four times daily, or as needed based on symptom response.
- The maximum recommended daily dose is 8,000 mg.
Important Interactions
- Methocarbamol can interact with other medications, such as sedatives and hypnotics, and can increase the risk of adverse effects 3.
- Patients should be monitored for signs of overdose, such as respiratory depression, and should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any severe symptoms.
Clinical Evidence
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of naproxen with or without orphenadrine or methocarbamol for acute low back pain found that methocarbamol did not improve functional outcomes compared to placebo 2.
- Another study found that methocarbamol was effective in reducing pain and improving mobility in patients with acute low back pain 4.
- However, the most recent and highest quality study available 2 supports the standard starting dose of 1,500 mg four times daily for the first 48-72 hours of treatment.