METHOCARBAMOL (meth oh KAR ba mole) treats muscle pain and stiffness. It works by calming overactive nerves in your body, which helps your muscles relax. It belongs to a group of medications called muscle relaxants.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Kidney disease
Seizures
An unusual or allergic reaction to methocarbamol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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CHAT NOWWhat may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Narcotic medications for cough
This medication may also interact with the following:
Alcohol
Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
Cholinesterase inhibitors like neostigmine, ambenonium, and pyridostigmine bromide
General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
Local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
Medications that relax muscles for surgery
Narcotic medications for pain
Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Headache
Metallic taste in mouth
Upset stomach
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.