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 recommended dose and frequency of Methocarbamol are:
- 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
Methocarbamol is recommended at a dose of 1500 mg four times daily for adults, with a maximum daily dose not exceeding 8000 mg, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2. The dosing regimen can be adjusted based on response and tolerability, with alternative regimens including 750 mg every 4 hours or 1000-1500 mg three to four times daily. For severe conditions, treatment may begin with 1500 mg four times daily for the first 48-72 hours, then reduced to 1000 mg four times daily. Key considerations for methocarbamol use include:
- Taking the medication with food to minimize stomach upset
- Avoiding activities requiring mental alertness until the patient knows how the medication affects them, due to potential drowsiness and dizziness
- Limiting treatment duration to 7-10 days to avoid dependence or reduced effectiveness
- Adjusting doses for elderly patients or those with liver or kidney impairment The most recent study 2 demonstrated the effectiveness and tolerability of methocarbamol in patients with non-specific low back pain, with a mean dose of 2390.4 mg over a 4-week evaluation period. This study provides the strongest evidence for the recommended dosing regimen. Other studies, such as 3, 4, 5, and 6, provide additional information on the use of methocarbamol and other muscle relaxants, but are not as directly relevant to the recommended dose and frequency.