Methocarbamol Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Methocarbamol Tablet (generic name methocarbamol) is a skeletal muscle relaxant used along with rest and physical therapy to relieve pain and discomfort from muscle injuries such as strains and sprains. It works by slowing activity in the nervous system to allow muscles to relax, and may start relieving muscle pain within about 30 minutes. It is available as a tablet, suspension, and injection, with dosing that varies by age.

What is Methocarbamol Tablet

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer used along with rest and physical therapy to relieve pain and discomfort from muscle injuries such as strains and sprains.

Methocarbamol Tablet uses

• Relief of discomfort from acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions such as strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries, used together with rest and physical therapy
• Methocarbamol injection (not the tablet) is sometimes used to help control muscle tightening caused by tetanus

Benefits of Methocarbamol Tablet

• Helps relax muscles to relieve pain and discomfort from muscle injuries
• May start relieving muscle pain within about 30 minutes
• Muscle Relaxation: Helps reduce muscle stiffness and spasms
• Pain Relief Support: Helps relieve discomfort caused by muscle strains and injuries
• Improves Mobility: Supports easier movement by reducing muscle tightness

How Methocarbamol Tablet works

Methocarbamol works by slowing activity in the nervous system, which allows the muscles to relax. It appears to act on the brain rather than directly on the muscles, though scientists are not fully certain how it works.

Methocarbamol Tablet dosage

Take by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, more often, or for longer than your doctor prescribed. It is usually taken four times a day at first, then may be changed to a different number of times a day depending on your response. If using the liquid form, shake it well before each dose and measure it with a proper measuring device, not a household spoon. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose — do not double up. Continue your normal diet unless your doctor tells you otherwise. This medicine is only part of a full treatment plan that may also include rest and physical therapy.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Suspension (liquid)
• Injection

Side effects of Methocarbamol Tablet

Common

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Confusion, problems with memory
• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach
• Blurred vision, double vision
• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Lack of coordination
• Metallic taste in the mouth

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• A light-headed feeling like you might pass out
• Slow heartbeats
• A seizure
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Pain, bruising, swelling, or skin changes where an injection was given
• Loss of bladder control
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Vomiting of blood or black, tarry stools

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to methocarbamol.
• Tell your doctor before using this medicine if you have myasthenia gravis, since it can make this condition worse.
• You may need to reduce your dose after the first 2 to 3 days of treatment; always follow your doctor's instructions on how many tablets to take.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to this medicine's effects and are generally not advised to take it because it may not be as safe or effective as other options for the same condition.
• This medicine is not approved for people younger than 16 years old, except to treat tetanus.
• Using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing, such as opioids, sleeping pills, other muscle relaxers, or anxiety medicines, can cause dangerous side effects or death.
• Methocarbamol may harm an unborn baby. It should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed, and effective birth control should be used to prevent pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
• It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about the risks.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, since this medicine should be used with caution in that case.
• This medicine should be used with caution if you have liver disease, since its effects may be increased because it is removed from the body more slowly.
• Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can worsen side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
• This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions, so be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Storage

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light
• Keep from freezing
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed
• Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicine; do not flush it down the toilet unless instructed

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you feel like you might pass out, have slow heartbeats, have a seizure, notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, or have pain, bruising, swelling, or skin changes where an injection was given.
• If you think you or someone else may have taken too much of this medicine, get emergency help right away.
• If someone has overdosed and shows serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call for emergency help immediately.

Alternatives

• Baclofen
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Dantrolene