Generic name: methocarbamol (meth oh KAR ba mal)
Brand name: Robaxin
Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxants
Robaxin (methocarbamol) is a muscle relaxer. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
Robaxin is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.
Robaxin injection is sometimes used in the treatment of tetanus, (lockjaw) which causes painful tightening of the muscles.
Robaxin tablets are discontinued.
Warnings
You should not use Robaxin if you are allergic to methocarbamol.
Before using Robaxin, tell your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis.
You may need to reduce your dose after the first 2 or 3 days of treatment.
Robaxin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medicine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Robaxin if you are allergic to methocarbamol.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
- a seizure; or
- myasthenia gravis.
Methocarbamol may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Robaxin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old unless to treat tetanus.
How should I use Robaxin?
Take Robaxin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. This medicine is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include rest, physical therapy, or other pain relief measures.
Robaxin oral is taken by mouth. You may need to reduce your dose after the first 2 or 3 days of treatment. Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions.
Robaxin injection is injected into a muscle or given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
The injection is usually given as a single dose before you start taking the oral form.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when the medicine is injected.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Robaxin.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Muscle Spasm:
PARENTERAL:
-For the relief of moderate symptoms: 1 g IV or IM once, then switch to oral
-For relief of severe symptoms or postoperative conditions: 1 g IV or IM every 8 hours
Maximum Dose: 3 g in 24-hours
Maximum Duration: 3 consecutive days; may repeat after a drug-free interval of 48 hours
Comments:
-Higher doses are recommended in the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment, then doses can usually be reduced to approximately 4000 mg per day.
IV/IM therapy should not be administered for more than 3 consecutive days without a drug-free interval of 48 hours.
Use: As an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, extreme drowsiness, fainting, seizure, or coma.
What to avoid
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
Robaxin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Robaxin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Robaxin and call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- slow heartbeats;
- a seizure;
- jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); or
- pain, bruising, swelling, or skin changes where the injection was given.
Common Robaxin side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
- fever;
- confusion, problems with memory;
- nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
- blurred vision, double vision;
- flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
- sleep problems (insomnia); or
- lack of coordination.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Robaxin?
Using Robaxin with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with methocarbamol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.