From the Guidelines
Methocarbamol is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant and sedative that can be used to relieve pain and discomfort caused by muscle injuries and spasms, with a typical adult dosage of 1500 mg four times daily for acute conditions. The medication works by depressing the central nervous system and has sedative properties that help reduce muscle hyperactivity without directly affecting muscle function 1. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and headache, so patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them. Methocarbamol is often used alongside other treatments like physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications for comprehensive muscle spasm management. It should be taken with food if stomach upset occurs, and alcohol should be avoided during treatment as it can increase sedative effects. Patients with kidney or liver disease may require dosage adjustments, and the medication should be discontinued gradually after extended use. Some studies also suggest that methocarbamol can be used to manage muscle cramps in patients with cirrhosis, although other medications like baclofen and albumin may also be effective 1. Key points to consider when prescribing methocarbamol include:
- Typical adult dosage: 1500 mg four times daily for acute conditions
- Common side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, headache
- Contraindications: patients with kidney or liver disease may require dosage adjustments
- Interactions: alcohol can increase sedative effects
- Alternative uses: managing muscle cramps in patients with cirrhosis.
From the FDA Drug Label
The injectable form of methocarbamol is indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The use of Methocarbamol (Robaxin) is as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions 2.
- The main use is for musculoskeletal relaxation
- It has sedative properties
- It is used for acute, painful conditions
From the Research
Use of Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
- Methocarbamol, also known as Robaxin, is a muscle relaxant used to treat painful muscle spasms 3, 4, 5.
- It is effective in relieving pain and improving mobility in patients with acute low back pain and muscle spasms 3, 5.
- Methocarbamol has been shown to be well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as drowsiness, weakness, and excessive perspiration 4, 5.
- Studies have demonstrated that methocarbamol is more effective than placebo in treating painful muscle spasms, with a significant reduction in pain intensity and improvement in mobility 3, 5.
- Methocarbamol is often used in combination with other medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to treat musculoskeletal pain 6.
Efficacy of Methocarbamol
- A double-blind trial found that methocarbamol was effective in approximately 60% of patients with painful muscle spasm, compared to 30% of patients receiving placebo 3.
- A study published in 2015 found that methocarbamol was an efficient and well-tolerated therapeutic option for patients with acute low back pain and associated restrictions of mobility 5.
- Another study found that methocarbamol was effective in relieving pain and improving mobility in patients with severe neurological disorders and skeletal muscle spasm states 4.
Safety and Tolerability
- Methocarbamol has been shown to be well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as drowsiness, weakness, and excessive perspiration 4, 5.
- A study found that methocarbamol was associated with a lower incidence of adverse events compared to other muscle relaxants 6.
- However, another study found that muscle relaxants, including methocarbamol, were associated with significant adverse events, predominantly central nervous system side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness 6.