What is Methocarbamol?

Methocarbamol is a prescription muscle relaxant used in dogs and cats to treat muscle spasms. Methocarbamol requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.

For:

Dogs, Cats, and Horses

Benefits:

• Relaxes muscles and reduces muscle tremors caused from various diseases, traumas, or ingesting toxic substances
• Helps to treat muscle spasms caused from intervertebral disk disease ("slipped disk") in dogs
• Also treats permethrin poisoning in cats, which can occur when permethrin from dog flea medication is ingested

How it Works:

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant that acts on the central nervous system to relax the muscles.

Cautions:

Give methocarbamol exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give it in larger doses or give for longer than recommended by your veterinarian.

Brand Name:

Robaxin (Schwarz Pharma), Robaxin V (Fort Dodge)

Generic Name:

methocarbamol

What is the most important information I should know about methocarbamol:

Methocarbamol is a prescription medication FDA approved for veterinary use in dogs, cats, and horses. Methocarbamol is available as 500 mg tablets. The usual dose to treat muscle spasms in dogs and cats is 20 to 30 mg per lb every 8 to 12 hours on the first day, then 10 to 30 mg per pound every 8 to 12 hours. For horses, the usual dose using methocarbamol tablets is from 4.4 to 20 mg per pound up to 6.6 to 30 mg per pound per dose.

What is Methocarbamol:

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms. Methocarbamol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving methocarbamol to my pet:

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.

How should this medication be given:

Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Store methocarbamol at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

What happens if I miss giving a dose:

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose the pet:

Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of methocarbamol overdose include extreme sedation, incoordination and loss of reflexes. Dogs and cats may see drooling and vomiting.

What should I avoid while giving Methocarbamol to my pet:

Methocarbamol should not be used in animals allergic to it. The safe use in pregnant or nursing animals has not been established.

What are the possible side effects of Methocarbamol:

Methocarbamol may cause drowsiness. The medication may cause a darkening of the urine. For dogs and cats, if any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving methocarbamol and seek emergency veterinary medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or face; hives). Side effects that can occur in dogs and cats may include weakness, stumbling, incoordination, drooling, and vomiting. Methocarbamol may discolor the urine. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.

What other drugs will affect Methocarbamol:

When used in combination with other medications that may cause drowsiness, the sedative effect of methocarbamol will increase. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given any other medications such as antihistamines (chlorpheniramine), gabapentin, metoclopramide, opioid narcotics, tranquilizers (acepromazine), or any other medication that may cause drowsiness. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with methocarbamol. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including vitamins, and supplements.

Where can I get more information:

Your pharmacist has additional information about Methocarbamol written for health professionals that you may read. Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.