Brand Names: Robaxin-V

Available in 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg tablets, and injectable

Uses of this Medication

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant that exerts its effect by acting on the nervous system rather than on the muscles themselves. Methocarbamol can be used in any condition where painful muscle spasms should be reduced for patient comfort, for example, intervertebral disk disease, but it is also used in the treatment of several types of poisonings where symptoms include muscle spasms, twitches and rigidity.

In humans, a methocarbamol pill is active in the body within approximately 30 minutes, and activity peaks in two hours. Methocarbamol can be given with or without food. If a dose is accidentally skipped, give the dose when it is remembered and time the next dose accordingly. Methocarbamol is typically given two to three times daily.

Side Effects

In addition to being a muscle relaxant, methobarbamol also has some sedative properties. Sensitive animals will salivate or vomit. The most common side effects seen with methocarbamol are: sedation, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, weakness, drunken gait.

You might notice that the patient’s urine is darker than normal on methocarbamol, but this is not cause for concern.

Interactions with Other Medications

The sedative side effect is exaggerated when methocarbamol is given with other medications that have sedating properties.

Dogs with myasthenia gravis receiving pyridostigmine may experience extreme weakness if these two drugs are combined.

Sedation potential is enhanced when methocarbamol is used in conjunction with buprenorphine (narcotic pain reliever) or with mirtazapine (appetite stimulant), or with other medications that have sedating side effects.

Methocarbamol can enhance the adverse effects of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (usually used for anxiety and behavior problems).

Concerns and Cautions

Methocarbamol has not been fully tested for safety during pregnancy.

Methocarbamol should be stored away from light at room temperature.