What is the most important information I should know about methocarbamol?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is methocarbamol?
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer that is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.
Methocarbamol injection is sometimes used in the treatment of tetanus, (lockjaw) which causes painful tightening of the muscles.
Methocarbamol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using methocarbamol?
You should not use methocarbamol if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- 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.
Methocarbamol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old unless to treat tetanus.
How should I use methocarbamol?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Methocarbamol is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include rest, physical therapy, or other pain relief measures.
Methocarbamol 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.
Methocarbamol injection is injected into a muscle or given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Methocarbamol 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 methocarbamol is injected.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using methocarbamol.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
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 should I avoid while taking methocarbamol?
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.
What are the possible side effects of methocarbamol?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using methocarbamol 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 a methocarbamol injection was given.
Common 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 methocarbamol?
Using methocarbamol 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 affect 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.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about methocarbamol.
