From the FDA Drug Label
PRECAUTIONS Information for Patients Patients should be cautioned that methocarbamol may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may impair their ability to operate motor vehicles or machinery.
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of methocarbamol in pediatric patients below the age of 16 have not been established.
The FDA drug label does not provide information about the safety and effectiveness of methocarbamol in patients aged 79 years. No conclusion can be drawn about the use of robaxin (methocarbamol) in a 79-year-old patient based on the provided drug labels 1 and 1.
From the Research
Robaxin (methocarbamol) should be used with caution in a 79-year-old patient, and the decision to prescribe it should be made by a healthcare provider after evaluating the patient's specific health conditions and current medications. Robaxin is a muscle relaxant that may be prescribed for muscle spasms or pain, but older adults often require special consideration when taking this medication due to age-related changes in kidney and liver function, which can affect how drugs are processed, potentially increasing the risk of side effects 2. In older adults, Robaxin may cause increased drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems, raising the risk of falls.
Key Considerations
- The dosage of Robaxin often needs to be reduced for elderly patients to minimize the risk of adverse effects 3.
- Alternative treatments for muscle pain might also be considered depending on the underlying condition, such as NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or gabapentinoids, which have been found to be effective in older adults with spine-related pain 2.
- The healthcare provider should monitor the patient for side effects and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- According to a 2022 review of pharmacotherapy for spine-related pain in older adults, there is strong evidence for the use of NSAIDs with adjustments for gastrointestinal and renal risk factors, and mixed evidence for gabapentin and pregabalin for neuropathic pain 2.
- The review also found that SNRIs have good evidence for neuropathic pain and a more favorable safety profile than TCAs, and that tramadol can be well tolerated in older patients, but has risks of cognitive and classic opioid side effects 2.