Methocarbamol: What to Know Before You Take It
Also known as Robaxin
A patient-focused safety profile with information from public regulatory sources.
In plain language
What Methocarbamol is used for
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Methocarbamol tablets, USP are indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of methocarbamol has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties. Methocarbamol does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man.
Read before you decide
Risks and precautions
Risks and warnings
WARNINGS Since methocarbamol may possess a general CNS depressant effect, patients receiving Methocarbamol tablets, USP should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. Safe use of Methocarbamol tablets, USP has not been established with regard to possible adverse effects upon fetal development. There have been reports of fetal and congenital abnormalities following in utero exposure to methocarbamol. Therefore, Methocarbamol tablets, USP 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 (see Precautions, Pregnancy ). Use In Activities Requiring Mental Alertness Methocarbamol may impair mental and/or physical abilities required for performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Patients should be cautioned about operating machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that methocarbamol therapy does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities.
Who should not take it
CONTRAINDICATIONS Methocarbamol tablets, USP are contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to methocarbamol or to any of the tablet components.
FDA safety data
Most-reported side effects
Based on 21,896 FAERS reports. Reports do not prove the drug caused the effect.
Regulatory record
FDA recalls (2)
Lack of Assurance of Sterility: Media fill with bacterial contamination
Recalling firm: Somerset Therapeutics Private Limited
Presence of Particulate Matter
Recalling firm: Eugia US LLC
Common questions
Patient questions
What is Methocarbamol prescribed for?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Methocarbamol tablets, USP are indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of methocarbamol has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties. Methocarbamol does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man.
What are the key warnings and safety precautions for Methocarbamol?
WARNINGS Since methocarbamol may possess a general CNS depressant effect, patients receiving Methocarbamol tablets, USP should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. Safe use of Methocarbamol tablets, USP has not been established with regard to possible adverse effects upon fetal development. There have been reports of fetal and congenital abnormalities following in utero exposure to methocarbamol. Therefore, Methocarbamol tablets, USP 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 (see Precautions, Pregnancy ). Use In Activities Requiring Mental Alertness Methocarbamol may impair mental and/or physical abilities required for performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Patients should be cautioned about operating machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that methocarbamol therapy does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities.
Does Methocarbamol interact with other medications or foods?
Methocarbamol has 0 documented drug interaction(s) and 0 food interaction(s) in clinical databases. Always provide your complete medication list to your clinician.
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.