This site is intended for healthcare professionals
FDA Hero  Banner - Multi-coloured pills and tablets
FDA Drug information

Methocarbamol

Read time: 1 mins
Marketing start date: 28 Apr 2024

Summary of product characteristics


Adverse Reactions

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 To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Granules USA, Inc. at 1-877-770-3183 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Methocarbamol tablets are contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to methocarbamol or to any of the tablet components.

Description

DESCRIPTION Methocarbamol tablet, USP, a carbamate derivative of guaifenesin, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with sedative and musculoskeletal relaxant properties. The chemical name of methocarbamol is 1,2-Propanediol,3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-,1-Carbamate,(±)-.(or) (±)-3-(o-Methoxyphenoxy)-1,2-Propanediol 1-carbamate and has the empirical formula C 11 H 15 NO 5 . Its molecular weight is 241.24g/mol. The structural formula is shown below. Methocarbamol is a white powder, sparingly soluble in water and in chloroform, soluble in alcohol (only with heating), insoluble in benzene and in n-hexane. Methocarbamol tablets, USP are available as 500 mg and 750 mg tablets for oral administration. Methocarbamol tablets, USP 500 mg are light orange colored, round shaped film coated tablets debossed with "G" above the score line on one side and "500" on other side. Methocarbamol tablets, USP 750 mg are light orange colored, caplet shaped film coated tablets debossed with "G" on one side and "750" on other side. Methocarbamol tablets, USP 500 mg and 750 mg contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, maize starch, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, and stearic acid. The tabets are coated with Aquarius Prime which contains FD&C yellow 6, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, and titanium dioxide str

Dosage And Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Methocarbamol Tablets, USP 500 mg – Adults: Initial dosage: 3 tablets 4 times daily Maintenance dosage: 2 tablets 4 times daily Methocarbamol Tablets, USP 750 mg – Adults: Initial dosage: 2 tablets 4 times daily Maintenance dosage: 1 tablet every 4 hours or 2 tablets 3 times daily 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.

Indications And Usage

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Methocarbamol tablets, USP are 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.

Warnings

WARNINGS Since methocarbamol may possess a general CNS depressant effect, patients receiving Methocarbamol tablets should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. Safe use of Methocarbamol tablets has not been established with regard to possible adverse effects upon fetal development. There have been reports of fetal and congenital abnormalities following in utero exposure to methocarbamol. Therefore, Methocarbamol tablets should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant and particularly during early pregnancy unless in the judgment of the physician the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards (see PRECAUTIONS, Pregnancy ). Use in Activities Requiring Mental Alertness Methocarbamol may impair mental and/or physical abilities required for performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Patients should be cautioned about operating machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that methocarbamol therapy does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities.

Overdosage

OVERDOSAGE Limited information is available on the acute toxicity of methocarbamol. Overdose of methocarbamol is frequently in conjunction with alcohol or other CNS depressants and includes the following symptoms: nausea, drowsiness, blurred vision, hypotension, seizures, and coma. In post-marketing experience, deaths have been reported with an overdose of methocarbamol alone or in the presence of other CNS depressants, alcohol or psychotropic drugs. Treatment Management of overdose includes symptomatic and supportive treatment. Supportive measures include maintenance of an adequate airway, monitoring urinary output and vital signs, and administration of intravenous fluids if necessary. The usefulness of hemodialysis in managing overdose is unknown.

Drug Interactions

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.

Drug And Or Laboratory Test Interactions

DRUG/LABORATORY TEST INTERACTIONS Methocarbamol may cause color interference in certain screening tests for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) using nitrosonaphthol reagent and in screening tests for urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) using the Gitlow method.

Clinical Pharmacology

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.

Effective Time

20230323

Version

9

Spl Product Data Elements

Methocarbamol Methocarbamol Tablets TITANIUM DIOXIDE SILICON DIOXIDE STARCH, CORN POVIDONE SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO STEARIC ACID FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE HYPROMELLOSE 2910 (6 MPA.S) POLYSORBATE 80 PROPYLENE GLYCOL METHOCARBAMOL METHOCARBAMOL G;500 Methocarbamol Methocarbamol Tablets METHOCARBAMOL METHOCARBAMOL SILICON DIOXIDE STARCH, CORN POVIDONE SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO STEARIC ACID FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE HYPROMELLOSE 2910 (6 MPA.S) POLYSORBATE 80 PROPYLENE GLYCOL TITANIUM DIOXIDE G;750

Carcinogenesis And Mutagenesis And Impairment Of Fertility

CARCINOGENESIS, MUTAGENESIS, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY Long-term studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of methocarbamol have not been performed. No studies have been conducted to assess the effect of methocarbamol on mutagenesis or its potential to impair fertility.

Application Number

ANDA209312

Brand Name

Methocarbamol

Generic Name

Methocarbamol Tablets

Product Ndc

63739-991

Product Type

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Route

ORAL

Package Label Principal Display Panel

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Information For Patients

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS Patients should be cautioned that methocarbamol may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may impair their ability to operate motor vehicles or machinery. Because methocarbamol may possess a general CNS-depressant effect, patients should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Nursing Mothers

NURSING MOTHERS Methocarbamol and/or its metabolites are excreted in the milk of dogs; however, it is not known whether methocarbamol or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when methocarbamol tablets are administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

PEDIATRIC USE Safety and effectiveness of methocarbamol tablets in pediatric patients below the age of 16 have not been established.

Pregnancy

PREGNANCY Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category C Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with methocarbamol. It is also not known whether methocarbamol can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Methocarbamol tablets should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Safe use of methocarbamol tablet has not been established with regard to possible adverse effects upon fetal development. There have been reports of fetal and congenital abnormalities following in utero exposure to methocarbamol. Therefore, Methocarbamol tablets should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant and particularly during early pregnancy unless in the judgment of the physician the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards (see WARNINGS ).

How Supplied

HOW SUPPLIED Methocarbamol tablets, USP 500 mg are light orange colored, round shaped film coated tablets debossed with "G" above the score line on one side and "500" on other side. They are supplied as follows Boxes of 10x10 UD 100, NDC 63739-991-10 Methocarbamol tablets, USP 750 mg are light orange colored, caplet shaped film coated tablets debossed with "G" on one side and "750" on other side. They are supplied as follows Boxes of 10x10 UD 100, NDC 63739-992-10 Store between 20° C and 25° C (68° F and 77° F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Manufactured by: Granules India Limited Hyderabad-500 081 Made in India Distributed by: McKesson Corporation dba SKY Packaging Memphis, TN 38141 21562-1 December 2022

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS Patients should be cautioned that methocarbamol may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may impair their ability to operate motor vehicles or machinery. Because methocarbamol may possess a general CNS-depressant effect, patients should be cautioned about combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. 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. DRUG/LABORATORY TEST INTERACTIONS Methocarbamol may cause color interference in certain screening tests for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) using nitrosonaphthol reagent and in screening tests for urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) using the Gitlow method. CARCINOGENESIS, MUTAGENESIS, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY Long-term studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of methocarbamol have not been performed. No studies have been conducted to assess the effect of methocarbamol on mutagenesis or its potential to impair fertility. PREGNANCY Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category C Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with methocarbamol. It is also not known whether methocarbamol can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Methocarbamol tablets should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Safe use of methocarbamol tablet has not been established with regard to possible adverse effects upon fetal development. There have been reports of fetal and congenital abnormalities following in utero exposure to methocarbamol. Therefore, Methocarbamol tablets should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant and particularly during early pregnancy unless in the judgment of the physician the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards (see WARNINGS ). NURSING MOTHERS Methocarbamol and/or its metabolites are excreted in the milk of dogs; however, it is not known whether methocarbamol or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when methocarbamol tablets are administered to a nursing woman. PEDIATRIC USE Safety and effectiveness of methocarbamol tablets in pediatric patients below the age of 16 have not been established.

Learning Zones

The Learning Zones are an educational resource for healthcare professionals that provide medical information on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and burden of disease, as well as diagnostic techniques and treatment regimens.

Disclaimer

The drug Prescribing Information (PI), including indications, contra-indications, interactions, etc, has been developed using the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as a source (www.fda.gov).

Medthority offers the whole library of PI documents from the FDA. Medthority will not be held liable for explicit or implicit errors, or missing data.

Drugs appearing in this section are approved by the FDA. For regions outside of the United States, this content is for informational purposes only and may not be aligned with local regulatory approvals or guidance.