What drug class is methocarbamol?

methocarbamol is classified as a Centrally-mediated Muscle Relaxation.

Is there a generic version of methocarbamol?

Yes, generic versions of methocarbamol are available. See the Exact Equivalents section above for FDA-rated generic alternatives.

How does methocarbamol work?

methocarbamol mechanism of action information is available in the Drug Information section of this page.

Methocarbamol

Also sold as: Robaxin, Tanlor, Atmeksi

Centrally-mediated Muscle RelaxationPrescription OnlyGeneric Available

Related Medications

Important: Only drugs listed as "Exact Equivalents" (FDA AB-rated) are confirmed interchangeable. All other listings are for informational reference only and do NOT indicate that drugs can be substituted without a physician's explicit guidance.

Same Pharmacologic Class

These drugs share a pharmacologic classification but are NOT interchangeable. Listing here does not imply clinical equivalence. A physician must evaluate each drug individually for the patient's specific condition.

Classification: Centrally-mediated Muscle Relaxation (source: RxClass/NLM)

Insurance Coverage User-Reported

Community Data Disclaimer: Insurance coverage information below was submitted by RxSaurus users and has not been verified by RxSaurus. Coverage varies by plan, year, geography, and individual circumstances. Drug formulary status, prior authorization requirements, and tier placements change frequently. Always verify coverage directly with the patient's insurance plan or pharmacy benefits manager before prescribing or dispensing.

No community coverage data yet for methocarbamol.

Coverage data submission coming soon.

Drug Information

Indications & Uses

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.

Dosage & Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Methocarbamol tablets, USP, 500 mg – Adults: Initial dosage: 3 tablets q.i.d. Maintenance dosage: 2 tablets q.i.d. Methocarbamol tablets, USP: 750 mg – Adults: Initial dosage: 2 tablets q.i.d. Maintenance dosage: 1 tablet q.4h. or 2 tablets t.i.d. Six grams a day are recommended for the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment. (For severe conditions 8 grams a day may be administered). Thereafter, the dosage can usually be reduced to approximately 4 grams a day.

Warnings & Precautions

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.

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions reported coincident with the administration of methocarbamol include: Body as a whole: Anaphylactic reaction, angioneurotic edema, fever, headache Cardiovascular system: Bradycardia, flushing, hypotension, syncope, thrombophlebitis Digestive system: Dyspepsia, jaundice (including cholestatic jaundice), nausea and vomiting Hemic and lymphatic system: Leukopenia Immune system: Hypersensitivity reactions Nervous system: Amnesia, confusion, diplopia, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, insomnia, mild muscular incoordination, nystagmus, sedation, seizures (including grand mal), vertigo Skin and special senses: Blurred vision, conjunctivitis, nasal congestion, metallic taste, pruritus, rash, urticaria

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions See Warnings and Precautions for interaction with CNS drugs and alcohol. Methocarbamol may inhibit the effect of pyridostigmine bromide. Therefore, methocarbamol should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis receiving anticholinesterase agents.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Methocarbamol tablets, USP are contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to methocarbamol or to any of the tablet components.

Verify with Primary Sources

Always verify clinical information with authoritative sources.

DailyMed (NLM/NIH)FDA-approved drug labeling↗FDA Orange BookTherapeutic equivalence data↗RxNorm (NLM/NIH)Drug nomenclature & relationships↗