Robaxin

Medically Reviewed on 10/18/2023

Brand Names: Robaxin, Robaxin-750

Generic Name: methocarbamol 

Drug Class: Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

What is Robaxin, and what is it used for?

Robaxin is prescribed for the relief of discomfort associated with painful skeletal muscle spasms. Robaxin is also used for relief from tetanus spasms.

Robaxin is a skeletal muscle relaxant with sedative effects. The exact mechanism of how Robaxin works is not known. Robaxin is presumed to work by depressing the central nervous system, leading to relaxation of muscles. 

What are the side effects of Robaxin?

Common side effects of Robaxin include:

What is the dosage for Robaxin?

Musculoskeletal pain in adults:

  • Initially, take three 500 mg tablets by mouth 4 times a day for first 48 to 72 hours, then take 2 tablets by mouth 4 times a day for the maintenance of spasms.
  • If using 750 mg tablets take 2 tablets by mouth 4 times a day for the first 48 to 72 hours, then take 1 tablet by mouth every 4 hours or take 2 tablets by mouth 3 times a day for the maintenance of spasms.
  • The dose for injections is 1 gram intravenously or intramuscularly every 8 hours with a maximum dose of 3 grams per day for 3 days.
    • If needed, the same course may be repeated after a 48 hour drug free interval.

Tetanus spasms:

  • Adults: Inject 1 to 2 grams intravenously every 6 hours as needed with a maximum dose of 24 grams per day.
  • Children: Inject 15 mg/kg intravenously every 6 hours as needed.
    • The total dose should not exceed 1.8 g/m2 for 3 consecutive days.

Which drugs interact with Robaxin?

Robaxin can increase sedation if taken with narcotic painkillers, alcohol, sedative or hypnotic medications, and other medications that depress the central nervous system. Loss of consciousness, troubled breathing, lowered heart rate, and in severe cases death or coma can also occur.

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Pregnancy and breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies of Robaxin to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. Robaxin should be avoided in pregnant mothers to avoid any risk to the unborn.

It is not known whether Robaxin enters breast milk. It should be avoided in nursing mothers to prevent any adverse effects to the newborn.

What else should I know about Robaxin?

What preparations of methocarbamol-oral are available?

Tablets: 500, 750 mg. Injection: 100 mg /ml

How should I keep methocarbamol-oral stored?

Store methocarbamol tablets between 20 C – 25 C (68 F – 77 F). Store methocarbamol injection preparations between temperatures of 15 C - 30 C (59 F – 86 F).

Summary

Robaxin is a drug used to treat painful spasms of the skeletal muscles. Common side effects of Robaxin include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, headache, flushing, lowered heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.

Treatment & Diagnosis

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Medically Reviewed on 10/18/2023
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information
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