Monograph: |
METHOCARBAMOL
DESCRIPTION
ACTIONS
The mechanism of action of methocarbamol in humans has not been established, but may be due to general central nervous system depression. It has no direct action on the contractile mechanism of striated muscle, the motor end plate or the nerve fiber.
INDICATIONS
ROBINAX (methocarbamol) is indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomforts associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of this drug has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties. Methocarbamol does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
ROBINAX is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any of the ingredients.
WARNINGS
Since methocarbamol may possess a general central nervous system depressant effect, patients receiving ROBINAX/ROBINAX-750 (methocarbamol tablets) should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants.
Safe use of methocarbamol has not been established with regard to possible adverse effects upon fetal development. Therefore, methocarbamol tablets should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant and particularly during early pregnancy unless in the judgment of the physician the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards.
PRECAUTIONS
Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.
It is not known whether this drug is secreted in human milk. As a general rule, nursing should not be undertaken while a patient is on a drug since many drugs are excreted in human milk.
Methocarbamol may cause a color interference in certain screening tests for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA).
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, allergic manifestations such as urticaria, pruritus, rash, conjunctivitis with nasal congestion, blurred vision, headache, fever.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
ROBINAX (methocarbamol), 500 mg--Adults: initial dosage, 3 tablets q.i.d.; maintenance dosage, 2 tablets q.i.d.
ROBINAX-750 ( methocarbamol ), 750 mg -- Adults: initial dosage, 2 tablets q.i.d.; maintenance dosage, 1 tablet q.4h. or 2 tablets t.i.d.
Six grams a day are recommended for the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment. (For severe conditions 8 grams a day may be administered.) Thereafter, the dosage can usually be reduced to approximately 4 grams a day.
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