Drug Name

Robaxin (Methocarbamol)

Drug Uses

Robaxin is used for relieving muscle pain and discomfort caused by sprains and strains. It is used in combination with rest and physical therapy.

How to use

Use Robaxin as directed by your doctor.

• Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
• Take Robaxin with a full glass of water.
• Robaxin can be taken with or without food.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Robaxin is a skeletal muscle relaxant. The precise way it works is unknown, but it is thought to depress the central nervous system. It has no direct effect on the muscle.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Robaxin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Robaxin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Robaxin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Robaxin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Robaxin;
• you are also taking sodium oxybate (GHB);
• you have kidney disease.

• Robaxin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Robaxin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (e.g., sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Robaxin ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Robaxin should not be given for more than 3 days in a row except for the treatment of tetanus.
• Use Robaxin with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Robaxin should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Robaxin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Robaxin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Robaxin, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• blurred vision; confusion; dizziness; double vision; drowsiness; fainting; fever; flushing; headache; indigestion; lightheadedness; metallic taste in mouth; mild muscle incoordination; nasal stuffiness; nausea; pain and sloughing at the injection site; pink eye; rapid eye movement; sleeplessness; swelling; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); memory loss; seizures; slow heartbeat; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Robaxin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.