Methocarbamol Pharmacology

Methocarbamol

About Methocarbamol
A centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant, Carbamate derivative, Skeletal muscle relaxant.
Mechanism of Action of Methocarbamol
This skeletal muscle relaxant depresses central nervous system by the preferential blockade of spinal and supraspinal polysynaptic reflexes. This leads to sedation and a reduction in skeletal muscle spasms. These effects are accompanied by relief of pain and an increase in the mobility of the affected muscles. Pain relief is postulated to be due to alterations in the perception of pain.
Pharmacokinets of Methocarbamol
Absorption- Rapidly and completely absorbed after administration
Distribution- Widely distributed throughout the body. It crosses the placenta
Metabolism- Extensively metabolized in the liver to its metabolites, by dealkylation and hydroxylation
Excretion- Drug and its metabolites are excreted rapidly and completely in urine
Onset of Action for Methocarbamol
30 minutes after oral administration
Immediate after IV administration
Duration of Action for Methocarbamol
4-6 hours
Half Life of Methocarbamol
0.9 to 2.2 hours
Side Effects of Methocarbamol
1. Drowsiness
2. Dizziness
3. Upset stomach
4. Blurred vision
5. Fever
6. Rash
7. Itching
8. Dyspepsia
9. Jaundice
10. Nausea
11. Vomiting
12. Leucopenia
Contra-indications of Methocarbamol
1. Hypersensitive to methocarbamol or to any of the tablet components
2. Epilepsy
3. Coma or pre-coma
4. Myasthenia gravis
Special Precautions while taking Methocarbamol
1. Alcohol abuse
2. CNS depressants therapy
3. Impairment of hepatic function
4. Renal impairment
5. Any work which require mental alertness such as driving or operating machine
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Methocarbamol
1. Skeletal muscle spasm
2. Surgery
3. Orthopedic procedure
4. Neurological diseases
5. Tetanus
Interactions for Methocarbamol
Alcohol and other CNS depressant drugs: CNS depressant effect potentiated.
Anorectics and anticholinergics: Efficacy increased by methocarbamol.
Lab tests: Causes colour interference in certain screening tests for 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and Vanillyl mandelic acid (VMA).
Typical Dosage for Methocarbamol
Adults-
Oral-
500 mg -initial dosage, 3 tablets 4 times daily
Maintenance dosage- 2 tablets 4 times daily
750 mg - initial dosage, 2 tablets 4 times daily
Maintenance dosage, 1 tablet q.4 h, or 2 tablets 3 times daily
Intravenous-
Tetanus-
2-3g over 10-15 minutes
Then 2g ampules every 6 hours until oral therapy can be started by dose of 18-40 tablets of 500mg daily in divided doses, 4-6 hourly by nasogastric tube.
Children-
Initial dose -15mg / kg. Repeat every 6 hours.
Schedule of Methocarbamol
H
Storage Requirements for Methocarbamol
Store at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Keep out of the reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Methocarbamol
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Effects of Overdose of Methocarbamol
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment. Induce emesis or gastric lavage. Monitor urine output and vital signs regularly

Home Delivery for Methocarbamol in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including methocarbamol.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for methocarbamol and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for methocarbamol may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take methocarbamol only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for methocarbamol before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for methocarbamol with the pharmacy.

Methocarbamol is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for methocarbamol might be better known than methocarbamol itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have methocarbamol in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for methocarbamol.