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.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Opioid 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, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, or sertraline
Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as neostigmine, ambenonium, or pyridostigmine bromide
General anesthetics, such as halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, or propofol
Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, pramoxine, or tetracaine
Medications that relax muscles for surgery
Opioids
Phenothiazines, such as 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?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Taking this medication with other substances that cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids can cause serious side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. They will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency services if you have problems breathing or staying awake.
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.
