indication

For use as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomforts associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.

pharmacology

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.

toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include blurred vision, coma, drowsiness, low blood pressure, nausea, and seizures.

biotransformation

Hepatic.

absorption

Rapid. Onset of action is about 30 minutes after oral administration.

half life

1.14-1.24 hours

route of elimination

Small amounts of unchanged methocarbamol also are excreted in the urine.