robaxin®/robaxin®-750 (methocarbamol tablets, USP), a carbamate derivative of guaifenesin, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with sedative and musculoskeletal relaxant properties.

The chemical name of methocarbamol is 3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1,2-propanediol 1-carbamate and has the empirical formula C₁₁H₁₅NO₅. Its molecular weight is 241.24. The structural formula is shown below.

Methocarbamol is a white powder, sparingly soluble in water and chloroform, soluble in alcohol (only with heating) and propylene glycol, and insoluble in benzene and n-hexane.

robaxin® is available as a light orange, round, film-coated tablet containing 500 mg of methocarbamol, USP for oral administration. The inactive ingredients present are corn starch, FD&C Yellow 6, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polysorbate 20, povidone, propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, stearic acid, titanium dioxide.

robaxin®-750 is available as an orange capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet containing 750 mg of methocarbamol, USP for oral administration. In addition to the inactive ingredients present in robaxin®, robaxin®-750 also contains D&C Yellow 10.

Last updated on RxList: 4/23/2007

robaxin® and robaxin®-750 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.

robaxin® (methocarbamol), 500 mg - Adults:

Initial dosage: 3 tablets q.i.d.

Maintenance dosage: 2 tablets q.i.d.

robaxin®-750 (methocarbamol): 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.

robaxin® (methocarbamol tablets, USP)

500 mg tablets are light orange, round, film-coated tablets engraved with ROBAXIN 500 on the unscored side and SP above the score on the other side. They are supplied as follows:

Bottles of 100                                   NDC 0091-7429-63

robaxin®-750 (methocarbamol tablets, USP)

750 mg tablets are orange, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablets engraved with ROBAXIN 750 on one side and SP on the other. They are supplied as follows:

Bottles of 100                                   NDC 0091-7449-63

Bottles of 500                                   NDC 0091-7449-70

Store at controlled room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). Dispense in tight container.

SCHWARZ PHARMA
Rev. 09/03
FDA rev date: 5/1/2003

Last updated on RxList: 4/23/2007

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

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.

Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

Methocarbamol may cause a color interference in certain screening tests for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) using nitrosonaphthol reagent and in screening tests for urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) using the Gitlow method.

Last updated on RxList: 4/23/2007

Since methocarbamol may possess a general CNS depressant effect, patients receiving robaxin® or robaxin®-750 should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Safe use of robaxin® and robaxin®-750 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, robaxin® and robaxin®-750 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.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of methocarbamol have not been performed. No studies have been conducted to assess the effect of methocarbamol on mutagenesis or its potential to impair fertility.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects - Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with methocarbamol. It is also not known whether methocarbamol can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. robaxin® and robaxin®-750 should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Safe use of robaxin® and robaxin®-750 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, robaxin® and robaxin®-750 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 WARNINGS).

Nursing Mothers

Methocarbamol and/or its metabolites are excreted in the milk of dogs; however, it is not known whether methocarbamol or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when robaxin® or robaxin®-750 is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of robaxin® and robaxin®-750 in pediatric patients below the age of 16 have not been established.

Last updated on RxList: 4/23/2007

Limited information is available on the acute toxicity of methocarbamol. Overdose of methocarbamol is frequently in conjunction with alcohol or other CNS depressants and includes the following symptoms: nausea, drowsiness, blurred vision, hypotension, seizures, and coma.

In post-marketing experience, deaths have been reported with an overdose of methocarbamol alone or in the presence of other CNS depressants, alcohol or psychotropic drugs.

Treatment

Management of overdose includes symptomatic and supportive treatment. Supportive measures include maintenance of an adequate airway, monitoring urinary output and vital signs, and administration of intravenous fluids if necessary. The usefulness of hemodialysis in managing overdose is unknown.

robaxin® and robaxin®-750 are contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to methocarbamol or to any of the tablet components.

Last updated on RxList: 4/23/2007

The mechanism of action of methocarbamol in humans has not been established, but may be due to general central nervous system (CNS) depression. It has no direct action on the contractile mechanism of striated muscle, the motor end plate or the nerve fiber.

Pharmacokinetics

In healthy volunteers, the plasma clearance of methocarbamol ranges between 0.20 and 0.80 L/h/kg, the mean plasma elimination half-life ranges between 1 and 2 hours, and the plasma protein binding ranges between 46% and 50%.

Methocarbamol is metabolized via dealkylation and hydroxylation. Conjugation of methocarbamol also is likely. Essentially all methocarbamol metabolites are eliminated in the urine. Small amounts of unchanged methocarbamol also are excreted in the urine.

Special populations

Elderly

The mean (± SD) elimination half-life of methocarbamol in elderly healthy volunteers (mean (± SD) age, 69 (± 4) years) was slightly prolonged compared to a younger (mean (± SD) age, 53.3 (± 8.8) years), healthy population (1.5 (± 0.4) hours versus 1.1 (±0.27) hours, respectively). The fraction of bound methocarbamol was slightly decreased in the elderly versus younger volunteers (41 to 43% versus 46 to 50%, respectively).

Renally impaired

The clearance of methocarbamol in 8 renally-impaired patients on maintenance hemodialysis was reduced about 40% compared to 17 normal subjects, although the mean (± SD) elimination half-life in these two groups was similar: 1.2 (± 0.6) versus 1.1 (±0.3) hours, respectively.

Hepatically impaired

In 8 patients with cirrhosis secondary to alcohol abuse, the mean total clearance of methocarbamol was reduced approximately 70% compared to that obtained in 8 age- and weight-matched normal subjects. The mean (± SD) elimination half-life in the cirrhotic patients and the normal subjects was 3.38 (± 1.62) hours and 1.11 (± 0.27) hours, respectively. The percent of methocarbamol bound to plasma proteins was decreased to approximately 40 to 45% compared to 46 to 50% in the normal subjects.

Last updated on RxList: 4/23/2007

Patients should be cautioned that methocarbamol may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may impair their ability to operate motor vehicles or machinery.

Because methocarbamol may possess a general CNS-depressant effect, patients should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Last updated on RxList: 4/23/2007

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

METHOCARBAMOL - ORAL

(meth-oh-KAR-ba-mole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Robaxin

USES: This medication relaxes muscles. It is used along with rest and physical therapy to decrease muscle pain and spasms associated with strains, sprains or other muscle injuries.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually 3 or 4 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed because the risk of side effects may increase.

This medication is intended for short-term use, usually no longer than 3 weeks, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If your condition does not improve in 2-3 weeks, contact your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, nausea, flushing, constipation, headache, blurred vision, lightheadedness, dizziness or drowsiness may occur during the first few days as your body adjusts to this medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/slow heartbeat, fainting, yellowing eyes or skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, mental/mood changes, clumsiness, trouble urinating, signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever).

This medication may cause your urine to turn green-black in color. This harmless effect is temporary and will disappear when the medication is stopped.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking methocarbamol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, severe difficulty urinating (urinary retention).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Alcohol may enhance dizziness or drowsiness. Limit alcohol.

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness and drowsiness.

This medication should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclic anti-depressants such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers.

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

This product can affect the results of certain urine lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness or unconsciousness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember within 1 hour. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.