Methocarbamol
About Methocarbamol
Methocarbamol belongs to the group of medicines called muscle relaxants. It is primarily used to relieve pain and muscle spasms associated with acute musculoskeletal problems. Muscle spasm is a painful and involuntary contraction that occurs when the nerve impulses that control the muscle movements are damaged or interrupted. Secondly, it also treats tetanus conditions (lockjaw), which are characterised by painful tightening of muscles. Tetanus is a nerve disorder characterised by painful muscle contractions, primarily affecting the muscles of the jaw and neck.
Methocarbamol consists of methocarbamol. It works by blocking pain impulses sent to the spinal cord and brain, thereby helping to maintain muscle strength and relieving muscle spasms or stiffness.
The dose and duration of treatment with Methocarbamol can be determined by the doctor based on your medical condition. You may experience sleepiness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, headache, flushing, dry mouth, a metallic taste, and diarrhoea in some cases. Most of these side effects are mild and subside over time. However, if these persist, contact your doctor immediately.
Do not take Methocarbamol if you are allergic to Methocarbamol or any of its components. It should be avoided in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Methocarbamol is not recommended for children unless prescribed by a pediatrician. Inform your doctor or lab technician about the use of Methocarbamol, as this medicine is known to interfere with the test results. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, seizure attacks (fits/epilepsy), and muscle problems (myasthenia gravis) as Methocarbamol is not recommended under such conditions. Let your doctor know about all your current medications and your health conditions to rule out any potential unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Methocarbamol
• Relieves muscle pain and spasms: Methocarbamol helps reduce discomfort caused by acute muscle injuries or strains.
• Adjunct treatment in tetanus: It is used in conjunction with other medications to manage muscle stiffness and spasms associated with tetanus.
Medicinal Benefits
Methocarbamol contains Methocarbamol, which is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It works by stopping pain signals (nerve impulses) from reaching the brain, thereby helping to relieve muscle stiffness or muscle spasms associated with pain and injury. Methocarbamol used to treat painful muscle spasms associated with musculoskeletal disorders, like spasms in the lower back, injuries, sprains and strains. Methocarbamol is more effective when combined with rest and physical therapy to treat muscle conditions, such as pain and injury. Additionally, Methocarbamol is also used to provide relief from tetanus (lockjaw), which causes painful muscle spasms.
Directions for Use
- Methocarbamol can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Methocarbamol
- Vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Dry mouth
- Fever
- Chills
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Flu symptoms
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Flushing (redness, warmth, or tingly feeling)
- Drowsiness
Drug Warnings
Do not take Methocarbamol if you are allergic to methocarbamol or any of its contents. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Methocarbamol. Your doctor will prescribe Methocarbamol only if the benefits outweigh the risks. The Methocarbamol should not be given to children, as the safety and efficacy of use for Methocarbamol have not been established. Inform your doctor before taking Methocarbamol if you have kidney or liver problems, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), and seizures (fits). Do not take Methocarbamol with other drugs like antidepressants that make you sleepy or slow your breathing, as they can cause dangerous side effects or death. Inform your doctor that you are on Methocarbamol treatment if you are experiencing any operation which requires anaesthesia. Methocarbamol may cause drowsiness and sleepiness, so it is advised not to drive a car or operate machinery. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Methocarbamol as it could lead to increased drowsiness and sleepiness. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking and your health condition to help rule out any potential unpleasant side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Methocarbamol may interact with antiepileptics (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, topiramate, zonisamide) appetite suppressants (orlistat), anticholinergic (benztropine, clidinium, cyclopentolate, dicyclomine), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (pyridostigmine bromide), antianxiety (alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, lorazepam, diazepam), antidepressants (amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol intake and tobacco consumption with Methocarbamol as it may cause increased drowsiness, dizziness and lack of concentration.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Methocarbamol may have interactions with liver disease, kidney dysfunction, seizures (fits), have ever suffered any brain damage or coma, muscle weakness (a disease called myasthenia gravis) and autonomic dysreflexia (spinal cord injury).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol during treatment with Methocarbamol as it may increase drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionMethocarbamol should be avoided in pregnant women as it may cause harm to unborn baby. Hence, consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy before taking Methocarbamol.
Breast Feeding
cautionMethocarbamol is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Hence, consult your doctor before starting treatment with Methocarbamol. Your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can take Methocarbamol or not.
Driving
cautionMethocarbamol causes sleepiness and drowsiness. Therefore, do not drive or operate heavy machinery that requires mental concentration unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with severe liver problems, as it contains paracetamol. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionPatients with kidney disease should proceed with caution. Hence, consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this, as dose adjustment may be needed in patients.
Children
cautionMethocarbamol is not recommended for children below 16 years of age as the safety and effectiveness are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Massages can also be helpful.
- It is better to avoid extremely cold and hot temperatures.
- Additionally, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes; instead, opt for loose-fitting garments.
- Rest well and get plenty of sleep during treatment with Methocarbamol.
- To avoid developing pressure sores, change your position at least every two hours.
- Hot or cold therapy can help treat muscle spasms. Apply an ice pack or hot pack on the muscle for 15-20 minutes.
- Stay hydrated, by drinking plenty of water.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor and the laboratory staff about using Methocarbamol as it may interfere with laboratory tests.
- You may need to reduce your dose after the first 2 or 3 days of treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the number of tablets you take each day. Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Methocarbamol, at a higher dose, it has increased potential for abuse, especially among people who have a history of narcotic abuse.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Muscle spasm: It is a sudden involuntary contraction of the muscle that can be painful and uncomfortable. When the nerve impulses controlling the muscle movements are damaged or interrupted, it leads to muscle spasms. Symptoms include muscle tightness, joint stiffness, unusual posture, difficulty with movement, and pain in the affected muscles and joints. Conditions that can trigger muscle spasms include fatigue (weakness), stress, extreme heat or cold, infection, and tight clothing. Muscle relaxants, combined with rest and exercise, can help alleviate muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants sedate the muscle and help inhibit painful contractions. Exercise stretches muscles, making them less likely to spasm, tear, and sprain.
Tetanus: Also known as lockjaw, it is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani. After invading the body, these bacteria start to produce a toxin that causes painful muscle contractions. It causes the neck or jaw muscles to lock, making it difficult to open the mouth or swallow food and drinks.
FAQs
Methocarbamol contains Methocarbamol, which is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is used to relieve pain and muscle spasms due to acute musculoskeletal problems.
Methocarbamol contains Methocarbamol. It is a muscle relaxant that works on the centres of the spinal cord and brain, thereby helping to maintain muscle strength and relieve muscle spasms or stiffness.
No, Methocarbamol is not indicated for stomach pain.
Methocarbamol may interfere with laboratory tests. Please inform your doctor or the laboratory staff about your treatment with Methocarbamol before undergoing any blood or urine examinations.
Yes, Methocarbamol may cause drowsiness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving vehicles or operating machines if you feel drowsy after taking Methocarbamol.
Do not discontinue Methocarbamol without consulting your doctor. Discontinuing Methocarbamol suddenly might cause muscle rigidity, increased heart rate, changes in mood, fever, mental disorders, confusion, hallucinations and fits (seizures). Talk to your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Methocarbamol, so that your doctor can reduce the dose gradually.
Do not use Methocarbamol at a time when muscle tone is required for safe balance and movement during certain activities. In some conditions, it may be dangerous for you to have low or reduced muscle tone. Avoid drinking alcohol with Methocarbamol as it can cause side effects. Avoid driving or performing tasks that require your concentration until you know how Methocarbamol will affect you, and your reactions could be impaired.
