Methocarbamol - Methocarbamol tablet prescribing information
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Methocarbamol is indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of methocarbamol has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties.
Methocarbamol does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Methocarbamol, 500 mg — Adults: Initial dosage: 3 tablets q.i.d. Maintenance dosage: 2 tablets q.i.d.
Methocarbamol, 750 mg — Adults: Initial dosage: 2 tablets q.i.d. Maintenance dosage: 1 tablet q.4h. or 2 tablets t.i.d.
Six grams a day are recommended for the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment. (For severe conditions 8 grams a day may be administered). Thereafter, the dosage can usually be reduced to approximately 4 grams a day.
Special populations
Elderly The mean (± SD) elimination half-life of methocarbamol in elderly healthy volunteers (mean [± SD] age, 69 [± 4] years) was slightly prolonged compared to a younger (mean [± SD] age, 53.3 [± 8.8] years), healthy population (1.5 [±0.4] hours versus 1.1 [± 0.27] hours, respectively). The fraction of bound methocarbamol was slightly decreased in the elderly versus younger volunteers (41 to 43% versus 46 to 50%, respectively).
Renally impaired The clearance of methocarbamol in 8 renally-impaired patients on maintenance hemodialysis was reduced about 40% compared to 17 normal subjects, although the mean (± SD) elimination half-life in these two groups was similar: 1.2 (± 0.6) versus 1.1 (± 0.3) hours, respectively.
Hepatically impaired In 8 patients with cirrhosis secondary to alcohol abuse, the mean total clearance of methocarbamol was reduced approximately 70% compared to that obtained in 8 age- and weight-matched normal subjects. The mean (± SD) elimination half-life in the cirrhotic patients and the normal subjects was 3.38 (±1.62) hours and 1.11 (± 0.27) hours, respectively. The percent of methocarbamol bound to plasma proteins was decreased to approximately 40 to 45% compared to 46 to 50% in the normal subjects.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Methocarbamol is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to methocarbamol or to any of the tablet components.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Adverse reactions reported coincident with the administration of methocarbamol include:
Body as a whole: Anaphylactic reaction, angioneurotic edema, fever, headache
Cardiovascular system: Bradycardia, flushing, hypotension, syncope, thrombophlebitis
Digestive system: Dyspepsia, jaundice (including cholestatic jaundice), nausea and vomiting
Hemic and lymphatic system: Leukopenia
Immune system: Hypersensitivity reactions
Nervous system: Amnesia, confusion, diplopia, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, insomnia, mild muscular incoordination, nystagmus, sedation, seizures (including grand mal), vertigo
Skin and special senses: Blurred vision, conjunctivitis, nasal congestion, metallic taste, pruritus, rash, urticaria
Drug Interactions
See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS for interaction with CNS drugs and alcohol.
Methocarbamol may inhibit the effect of pyridostigmine bromide. Therefore, methocarbamol should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis receiving anticholinesterase agents.
DESCRIPTION
Methocarbamol Tablets, USP, 500 mg and 750 mg, a carbamate derivative of guaifenesin, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with sedative and musculoskeletal relaxant properties.
The chemical name of methocarbamol is 3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1, 2-propanediol 1-carbamate and has the empirical formula C 11 H 15 NO 5 . Its molecular weight is 241.24. The structural formula is shown below.
Methocarbamol is a white powder, sparingly soluble in water and chloroform, soluble in alcohol (only with heating) and propylene glycol, and insoluble in benzene and n -hexane.
Each tablet, for oral administration, contains either 500 mg or 750 mg of methocarbamol, USP. The inactive ingredients present are colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, povidone, pregelatinized corn starch, purified water, sodium starch glycolate, and stearic acid.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
The mechanism of action of methocarbamol in humans has not been established, but may be due to general central nervous system (CNS) depression. It has no direct action on the contractile mechanism of striated muscle, the motor end plate or the nerve fiber.
Pharmacokinetics
In healthy volunteers, the plasma clearance of methocarbamol ranges between 0.20 and 0.80 L/h/kg, the mean plasma elimination half-life ranges between 1 and 2 hours, and the plasma protein binding ranges between 46% and 50%.
Methocarbamol is metabolized via dealkylation and hydroxylation. Conjugation of methocarbamol also is likely. Essentially all methocarbamol metabolites are eliminated in the urine. Small amounts of unchanged methocarbamol also are excreted in the urine.
Special populations
Elderly The mean (± SD) elimination half-life of methocarbamol in elderly healthy volunteers (mean [± SD] age, 69 [± 4] years) was slightly prolonged compared to a younger (mean [± SD] age, 53.3 [± 8.8] years), healthy population (1.5 [±0.4] hours versus 1.1 [± 0.27] hours, respectively). The fraction of bound methocarbamol was slightly decreased in the elderly versus younger volunteers (41 to 43% versus 46 to 50%, respectively).
Renally impaired The clearance of methocarbamol in 8 renally-impaired patients on maintenance hemodialysis was reduced about 40% compared to 17 normal subjects, although the mean (± SD) elimination half-life in these two groups was similar: 1.2 (± 0.6) versus 1.1 (± 0.3) hours, respectively.
Hepatically impaired In 8 patients with cirrhosis secondary to alcohol abuse, the mean total clearance of methocarbamol was reduced approximately 70% compared to that obtained in 8 age- and weight-matched normal subjects. The mean (± SD) elimination half-life in the cirrhotic patients and the normal subjects was 3.38 (±1.62) hours and 1.11 (± 0.27) hours, respectively. The percent of methocarbamol bound to plasma proteins was decreased to approximately 40 to 45% compared to 46 to 50% in the normal subjects.
HOW SUPPLIED
Methocarbamol Tablets, USP 500 mg — white, round, convex face, debossed “611” over bisect and “O” below bisect on one side and plain on the reverse side. Available in: Bottles of 90, NDC number 69584-611-09 bottles of 100, NDC number 69584-611-10 bottles of 500, NDC number 69584-611-50 bottles of 1000, NDC number 69584-611-90
Methocarbamol Tablets, USP 750 mg — white, capsule shape, convex face, debossed “612” on one side and debossed “O” on the reverse side. Available in: bottles of 90, NDC number 69584-612-09 bottles of 100, NDC number 69584-612-10 bottles of 500, NDC number 69584-612-50 bottles of 1000, NDC number 69584-612-90
Store at 20°– 25°C (68°– 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Dispense in tight container.
For more information, call Oxford Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-844-508‑1455, 8:00 AM to 4.30 PM ET, Monday – Friday
Manufactured by: OXFORD PHARMACEUTICALS Birmingham, AL 35211
8200004 Rev 12/20 R01
