Methocarbamol (Injection)

Introduction

Methocarbamol (meth-oh-KAR-ba-mol)

Treats muscle spasms and pain.

Brand Name(s)

Robaxin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best for you to lie down while receiving the intravenous (IV) injection and for 10 to 15 minutes afterwards.
• For some people, this medicine will need to be mixed with another liquid (such as a dextrose solution) before using it. For other people, the medicine can be injected without mixing.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. Carefully follow all of your doctor's instructions. In addition to this medicine, your treatment plan may also include other measures, such as rest or physical therapy.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. If the medicine has been mixed with another liquid, do not store this mixture in the refrigerator.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Pain, redness, swelling, or peeling skin where the needle is placed.
• Seizures.
• Severe sleepiness, vision changes or trouble seeing.
• Slow or pounding heartbeat.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using pyridostigmine (Mestinon®).
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, because alcohol also causes sleepiness.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have liver disease, myasthenia gravis, or epilepsy. Tell your doctor if you have ever had seizures.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• You might need to change to the tablet form of this medicine when you no longer need injections. Most people should not use the injectable form of this medicine for more than 3 days in a row, unless the medicine is being used to treat tetanus.
• This medicine might change the color of your urine. This color change might affect the results of any urine medical tests.