METHOCARBAMOL

(for veterinary information only)

BRAND NAME: ROBAXIN-V

AVAILABLE IN
500 mg and 750 mg TABLETS
(AND INJECTABLE)

USES OF THIS MEDICATION

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant that exerts its effect by acting on the central nervous system (i.e. the nerves of the brain and spinal cord that control the muscles) rather than on the muscles themselves. Methocarbamol can be used in any condition where painful muscle spasms should be reduced for patient comfort (intervertebral disk disease, for example) but it is also considered the treatment of choice for metaldehyde (snail bait) poisoning, a condition causing severe muscle twitching. Methocarbamol is also used in the treatment of tetanus (which is characterized by muscle rigidity) and strichnine poisoning (characterized by stiffness and seizuring). In cats, methocarbamol is an important medication in the treatment of permethrin poisoning (which occurs when canine permethrin flea products are used inadvertently on pet cats.)

An oral dose of methocarbamol is active in the body approximately 30 minutes after administration with activity peaking in 2 hours (in humans). Methocarbamol can be given with or without food. If a dose is accidentally skipped, give the dose when it is remembered and time the next dose accordingly. Methocarbamol is typically given 2-3 times daily.

SIDE EFFECTS

In addition to being a muscle relaxant, methobarbamol also has some sedative properties. Sensitive animals will salivate or vomit.

One might notice that the patient’s urine is darker than normal on methocarbamol but this is not cause for concern.

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS

The sedative side effect is exaggerated when methocarbamol is given with other medications that have sedating properties.

Dogs with myasthenia gravis receiving pyridostigmine may experience extreme weakness if these two drugs are combined.

Sedation potential is enhanced when methocarbamol is used in conjunction with buprenorphine (narcotic pain reliever) or wtih mirtazapine (appetite stimulant) or with other medications that have sedating side effects.

Methocarbamol can enhance the adverse effects of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (usually used for anxiety and behavior problems).

CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS

Methocarbamol should not be used in animals pregnant or nursing.

Methocarbamol should be stored away from light at room temperature.

Short version (to help us comply with "Lizzie's Law")

Page last updated: 2/9/2022