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 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.
SLIDESHOW
See SlideshowPregnancy 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).
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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.
Related Disease Conditions
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Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps are involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscles that do not relax. Extremely common, any muscles that have voluntary control, including some organs, are subject to cramps. Since there is such variety in the types of muscle cramps that can occur, many causes and preventative medications are known. Stretching is the most common way to stop or prevent most muscle cramps.
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Muscle Pain
Muscle pain (myalgia, myofascial pain syndrome) is pain in the body's soft tissues due to injury or strain. Symptoms include muscle pain with tender points and fatigue. Treatment usually involves physical therapy, massage therapy, or trigger point injection.
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What Does Musculoskeletal Pain Feel Like?
Musculoskeletal pain causes a dull ache, burning sensation, or sharp pain. Check out the center below for more medical references on musculoskeletal pain, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information