$Unique_ID{BRK03225}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{methocarbamol}
$Subject{Marbaxin Vortech Robaxin Robins Muscle relaxant methocarbamol
discomfort painful muscle aches spasms central nervous system brain spinal
cord depressant}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


methocarbamol
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Marbaxin (Vortech)
     methocarbamol (various manufacturers)
     Robaxin (Robins)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Muscle relaxant

INGREDIENT

     methocarbamol

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (500 mg and 750 mg)

STORAGE

     Methocarbamol should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     This medication is used to relieve the discomfort of painful muscle aches
and spasms.  It should be used in conjunction with rest, physical therapy, and
other measures that your doctor may prescribe.  It is not clear exactly how
methocarbamol works, but it is thought to relieve muscle spasms by acting as a
central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) depressant.

TREATMENT

     Methocarbamol can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or a
full glass of water or milk (as directed by your doctor).  These tablets can
be crushed and mixed with food or liquid if you have trouble swallowing them.
     If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within an hour, take
the missed dose immediately.  If more than an hour has passed, do not take the
missed dose; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the
next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, light-headedness, metallic taste in the
mouth, nausea, or stomach upset.  These side effects should disappear as your
body adjusts to the medication.
     This medication can cause the urine to darken to brown, black, or green.
This is a harmless effect.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.  Be
especially careful when driving an automobile or operating potentially
dangerous equipment.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
fainting, fatigue, fever, flushing, nasal congestion, skin rash, uncoordinated
movements, or visual disturbances.

INTERACTIONS

     Methocarbamol interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of methocarbamol with other central nervous system
depressants (such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine
tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine
tranquilizers, and sleeping medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants can
cause extreme drowsiness.
     2. Methocarbamol can decrease the effectiveness of pyridostigmine.
     Before starting to take methocarbamol, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to methocarbamol.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had brain disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid taking part in any
activity that requires mental alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although
methocarbamol appears to be safe, extensive studies in humans have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of methocarbamol pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.