Methocarbamol

How Is Methocarbamol?

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer. It works by preventing nerve impulses (or sensations of pain) from being transmitted to the brain.

Methocarbamol is used in conjunction with physical therapy and rest to treat skeletal muscle issues like injuries or pain.Methocarbamol injections can be used for the treatment of tetanus (lockjaw), which results in painful tightening of the muscles.

Warnings

This medicine is for you if you have an allergy to methocarbamol.Before taking methocarbamol, inform your physician if you suffer from myasthenia gravis.It is possible to decrease your dosage after the first two or three weeks of therapy. Follow the instructions of your physician regarding the dosage of tablets you consume every day.

Methocarbamol can affect your thinking or reactions. Be aware if you are driving or engaging in any activity that requires you to stay vigilant. Alcohol consumption can trigger certain adverse effects associated with the medication.

Before you Take this Drug

Methocarbamol is not a good choice if you have an allergy to it.To ensure that this medication is appropriate for you, consult your physician if you suffer from:

• Kidney disease;
• A seizure;
• Myasthenia gravis.

Methocarbamol could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Use effective birth control to stop pregnancy and inform your doctor if you're pregnant.

It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Consult your physician regarding any risks.Methocarbamol is not allowed to be used by anyone less than 16 years old other than to treat tetanus.

How to take Methocarbamol?

Follow the exact dosage of methocarbamol as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Methocarbamol is just one component of an entire treatment plan, which may comprise physical therapy, rest, and other methods to ease pain.Methocarbamol oral solution is taken by mouth. It is possible to decrease your dosage after the initial 2 or 3 days following treatment. Be sure to follow your doctor's dosage instructions.

Methocarbamol injections are injected directly into the muscle or as an infusion into a vein. The healthcare professional will provide the injection.The injection is typically given as a single dose prior to the time you begin using the oral formulation.Inform your doctor if you experience any pain, burning, or swelling in the area of your IV needle when methocarbamol is administered.

This medication can alter the results of some medical tests. Inform any physician who treats you that you're taking this medication.Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Check that the bottle has been completely sealed when it is not being employed.

Details on Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Muscle Spasm:

ORAL:
The initial dose is 1500 mg, taken orally four times per day.
Doses of 6000 mg each day are typically utilized during the first 48–72 hours.
In severe situations, doses of up to 8000 mg/day may be considered.
Maintenance dose:
500 mg tablets 1,000 mg orally, 4 times per day
500 mg tablets: 750 mg taken orally every 4 hours or 1500 mg taken orally three times a day.
PARENTERAL:
For the relief of moderate symptoms, take 1g IV or IM at once and then switch to oral
For relief of symptoms that are severe or postoperative complications 1 g IV, or intramuscularly, every eight hours
Maximum Dose: 3 g in 24 hours
Maximum Time: Three consecutive days; can continue after a drug-free period of 48 hours.
Comments:
The higher doses are suggested within the initial 48–72 hours after treatment. After that, dosages are usually reduced to around 4000 mg per day.
Tablets for oral administration should be used when possible; IV or IM therapy shouldn't be given for more than three consecutive days with a drug-free period of at least 48 hours.
Utilize it as an addition to physical therapy and rest to alleviate discomfort caused by pain-inducing musculoskeletal injuries that are acute.

Usual Adult Dose for Tetanus:

Initial dose: 1 to 2 g IV, followed by another 1 to 2 g IV infusion.
Maximal Initial Dose: 3 g
Repeat the initial dose every 6 hours until the NG tube or oral therapy becomes feasible.
Once the NG tube has been in place, it is possible to crush tablets, place them in saline or water, and then administer via tube.
Total doses of up to 24 g could be required based on the patient's response.
Comments:
There is evidence from clinical studies that suggests this drug could have a positive effect on the treatment of the neuromuscular symptoms of tetanus.
This drug is not meant to substitute for the standard treatment for debridement, tetanus-antitoxin treatment, penicillin, or tracheotomy. It is important to maintain fluid balance or support care. If it is used, it is recommended to add it to your treatment as soon as possible.
Use: To reduce the neuromuscular manifestations of tetanus.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Tetanus:

Initial dose: 15 mg/kg or 500 mg/m2 IV; repeat the initial dosage every six hours if needed.
Maximum dose: 1.8 g/m2 IV for 3 consecutive days
Maintenance dose: It can be administered via injection into a tubing or by IV infusion using a suitable amount of fluid.
Comments:
Clinical evidence is available that suggests this drug could provide a positive effect on the management of neuromuscular symptoms of tetanus.
This drug is not meant to be used to replace the normal procedures of debridement, penicillin, tetanus antitoxin, tracheotomy, a focus on fluid balance, and supportive care. If it is used, it must be included in the treatment as soon as possible.
Use: To manage the neuromuscular manifestations of tetanus.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but avoid any missed doses if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms may include nausea, extreme drowsiness, fainting, seizures, or coma.

What Should be Avoided?

Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of methocarbamol on your health. Dizziness or drowsiness may cause accidents, falls, or even serious injuries.Alcohol consumption with this medicine may cause unwanted side effects.

Side effects of Methocarbamol

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of an allergy reaction with methocarbamol, such as itching or breathing difficulties and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,

Stop taking methocarbamol and contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:

• A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're passing out;
• Slow heartbeats;
• A seizure;
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
• Swelling, pain, bruises, or changes to the skin where the injection was administered.

Common side effects of methocarbamol include:

• Headache, dizziness, or drowsiness;
• Fever;
• Issues with memory and confusion;
• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
• Blurred vision double vision, blurred vision
• Flushing (warmth, redness, warmth, or tingly sensation);
• Sleep problems (insomnia);
• Lack of coordination

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Methocarbamol, in combination with other medications that cause you to sleep or cause breathing problems, can result in dangerous adverse effects or even death. Ask your doctor prior to taking opioids, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medication to treat anxiety and seizures.

Other medications may interfere with methocarbamol. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor all the medicines you are currently taking and any medications you begin or stop taking.