Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

Category:

  • Muscle relaxant

  Description:

  • Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant

Indications:

  • Skeletal muscle spasms associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions

  • Tetanus: neuromuscular manifestations

  Contraindications:

  • Do not administer IV to patients with renal dysfunction due to presence of polyethylene glycol 300 in parenteral formulation.

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category C

  • Do not administer injection rate of 3mL per minute.

  • Do not exceed a total of 3 grams per day for greater than 3 consecutive days, except in tetanus.

  • Use injectable form cautiously in epileptic patients.

  Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • Parenteral (associated with rapid IV administration):

    • Cardiovascular: syncope, hypotension, bradycardia

    • CNS: drowsiness, lightheadedness, vertigo, headache

    • Dermatologic: urticaria, pruritis, rash, flushing

    • Ophthalmic: blurred vision, conjunctivitis

    • Misc: metallic taste, GI upset

  • Oral:

    • lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, urticaria, rash, headache, fever, blurred vision

Dosage:

  • Administered orally (tablets) and IV or IM injection

  • Oral:

    • Adult (for first 48-072 hours, recommended dose is 6 grams per day):

    • Initial: 1.5 grams qid

    • Maintenance: 1 gram qid, 75omg q4h or 1.5 grams tid

  • Parenteral:

    • do not exceed 3 grams for 3 consecutive days

    • usual dose is 1 gram

    • IV: max rate of 3mL per minute

    • IM: do not inject over 5mL into each gluteal region

  • Tetanus:

    • Adults: 1-2 grams directly into IV tubing

    • Children: 15mg/kg, may repeat

 

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300 

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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