| Indication |
For use as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other
measures for the relief of discomforts associated with acute, painful
musculoskeletal conditions. |
| Pharmacodynamics |
Methocarbamol is a central muscle relaxant for skeletal muscles,
used to treat spasms. It is structurally related to guaifenesin.
Methocarbamol's exact mechanism of causing skeletal muscle relaxation is
unknown. It is thought to work centrally, perhaps by general depressant
effects. It has no direct relaxant effects on striated muscle, nerve
fibers, or the motor endplate. It will not directly relax contracted
skeletal muscles. The drug has a secondary sedative effect. |
| Mechanism of action |
The mechanism of action of methocarbamol in humans has not been
established, but may be due to central nervous system depression. It has
no direct action on the contractile mechanism of striated muscle, the
motor end plate or the nerve fiber. |
| Absorption |
Rapid. Onset of action is about 30 minutes after oral administration. |
| Volume of distribution |
Not Available |
| Protein binding |
Not Available |
| Metabolism |
Hepatic. |
| Route of elimination |
Small amounts of unchanged methocarbamol also are excreted in the urine. |
| Half life |
1.14-1.24 hours |
| Clearance |
- 0.2 – 0.8 L/h/kg [healthy]
|
| Toxicity |
Symptoms of overdose include blurred vision, coma, drowsiness, low blood pressure, nausea, and seizures. |
