Locations:

Methocarbamol Tablets

Methocarbamol is a type of muscle relaxant that works by calming overactive nerves in your body. It treats muscle pain and stiffness. The brand name of this medication is Robaxin®.

What is this medication?

METHOCARBAMOL (meth oh KAR ba mole) treats muscle pain and stiffness. It works by calming overactive nerves in your body, which helps your muscles relax. It belongs to a group of medications called muscle relaxants.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Robaxin, TANLOR

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Kidney disease
  • Seizures
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to methocarbamol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Opioid medications for cough

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
  • Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
  • Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, or sertraline
  • Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
  • Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as neostigmine, ambenonium, or pyridostigmine bromide
  • General anesthetics, such as halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, or propofol
  • Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, pramoxine, or tetracaine
  • Medications that relax muscles for surgery
  • Opioids
  • Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

Advertisement

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Taking this medication with other substances that cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids can cause serious side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. They will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency services if you have problems breathing or staying awake.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Advertisement

Copyright ©2025 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

Ad