Methocarbamol is used together with other medicines to help relieve painful muscle spasms associated with bone, muscle and joint conditions.
Take Methocarbamol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, you may crush the tablets and mix them with food or water for easier consumption. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- brain injury
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
as Methocarbamol may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Methocarbamol to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going for certain laboratory tests (e.g. urine tests), inform your doctor that you are using this medicine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Methocarbamol may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, indigestion, metallic taste, headache, itching, difficulty sleeping, mild difficulty in controlling movements, dizziness with sensations of spinning, and flushing.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- confusion, memory loss
- blurred or doubled vision, unusual eye movements
- feeling faint, slow heartbeat
- signs of infection e.g. coughs, colds and flu
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital
- medicines that suppress appetite to help you lose weight
- certain medicines for depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses
- pyridostigmine bromide (medicine used for myasthenia gravis [muscle weakness disorder])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Methocarbamol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the side effects caused by Methocarbamol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.