Methocarbamol

Also known as: Miolaxene, Methocal

Drug #1991

Methocarbamol is a central muscle relaxant for skeletal muscles, used to treat spasms. It is structurally related to guaifenesin. Methocarbamol's exact mechanism of causing skeletal muscle relaxation is unknown. It is thought to work centrally, perhaps by general depressant effects. It has no direct relaxant effects on striated muscle, nerve fibers, or the motor endplate. It will not directly relax contracted skeletal muscles. The drug has a secondary sedative effect.

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Primary Characteristics

Methocarbamol is also known as Miolaxene, Methocal.

It belongs to Muscle Relaxants pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action.

Molecular Weight: 241.24 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 40 · Solubility in Alcohol: Soluble · Non-proprietary name: Methocarbamol.

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Methocarbamol has a plasma protein binding is 45-50%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 1-2hr.

Indications

Methocarbamol is primarily indicated in conditions like Painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Contraindications

Methocarbamol is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity to any component of product.

Dosage

Methocarbamol's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
500 mg	500 mg	Every 8h	IM
1.5 g	1.5 g	Every 6h	PO	Initial
4 g	4 g	—	PO	Marintanance
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

2 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Methocarbamol are Hypotension, Coma, Seizures, Blurred vision, Leucopenia .

Methocarbamol is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Angioedema, Blurred vision, Bradycardia , Convulsions , Drowsiness, Dyspepsia , Edema, Fever, Flushing, Headache, Hypersensitivity , Jaundice , Nausea and vomiting, Tremor, Vertigo.

Warnings / Precautions

Methocarbamol may inhibit the effect of pyridostigmine bromide. Therefore, methocarbamol should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis receiving anticholinesterase agents. Methocarbamol may impair mental and/or physical abilities required for performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Patients should be cautioned about operating machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that methocarbamol therapy does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities. Since methocarbamol may possess a general CNS depressant effect, patients receiving ROBAXIN Injectable should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Interference in Pathology

Methocarbamol may interfere in the diagnosis of Interference in screening tests for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) using nitrosonaphthol reagent, Interference in screening tests for urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) using the Gitlow method.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Methocarbamol should be stored .

Drug Classification

1.20 — Muscle relaxants and cholinesterase inhibitors