Methocarbamol Uses

Methocarbamol is a prescription muscle relaxant used, along with rest, physical therapy, and other measures, to relax tight muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by muscle injuries such as strains and sprains. 

There may be other uses of methocarbamol — your healthcare professional or pharmacist can provide medical advice and give you more drug information on methocarbamol.

Methocarbamol Mechanism of Action

It is not exactly clear how methocarbamol works. However, it is believed that methocarbamol relaxes muscles by slowing activity in the central nervous system and relaxing the nerves that cause muscles to cramp. Methocarbamol does not directly relax skeletal muscles.

Methocarbamol Doses

Methocarbamol is available in 500 mg and 750 mg tablets. It is also available as a 100 mg/mL injection solution for IM or IV infusions.

The initial dose of methocarbamol is usually 1,500 mg four times a day for a total dose of 6,000 mg per day. After 2-3 days, your doctor may ask you to take a maintenance dose of 750 mg to 1,000 mg 3-4 times a day.

An IM or IV infusion of methocarbamol (Robaxin injectable) is used to treat tetanus and other painful musculoskeletal conditions such as severe muscle spasms. The initial dose ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 mg every 6-8 hours until the person can take the oral form. Intravenous or intramuscular methocarbamol is not given for more than 3 days without a drug-free interval of 48 hours.