Methocarbamol is a potent skeletal muscle relaxant which has an unusually selective action on the central nervous system, specifically on the internuncial neurons of the spinal cord. This specific action results in a diminution of skeletal muscle hyperactivity without concomitant alteration in normal muscle tone. It is long-acting and essentially non-toxic, and has proved effective in a wide range of disorders involving acute muscle spasm.
Methocarbamol affords a marked protective action against the effects of strychnine in rats, cats and dogs. It prevents both convulsions and death when administered prior to strychnine in the rodent. In dogs and cats, it promptly controls the classical and severe symptoms of strychnine poisoning. Methocarbamol is more potent than mephenesin or mephenesin carbamate in blocking convulsions induced with pentylenetetrazol or electroshock.
Signs of central nervous system depression are produced by large doses of methocarbamol. Included are loss of righting reflex, prostration and ataxia. Also indicative of CNS depression is the finding that methocarbamol potentiates barbiturate hypnosis in mice.
Indications:
Dogs and Cats, oral - METHOCARBAMOL is indicated as an adjunct to therapy of acute inflammatory and traumatic conditions of the skeletal muscle and to reduce muscular spasms. The efficacy of tablets in the treatment of acute skeletal muscle hyperactivity secondary to the following conditions has been demonstrated:
1. Intervertebral disc syndrome, compressive myelitis, spinal cord injury where cord remains intact.
2. Traumatism causing muscular and ligamentous sprains and strains.
3. Myositis, fibrositis, bursitis, synovitis.
4. Muscular spasm prior to or following surgical procedures.
5. Miscellaneous conditions: To maintain therapeutic benefits of the injectable relaxants in strychnine poisoning and tetanus.
Horses - As an adjunct to therapy of acute inflammatory and traumatic conditions of the skeletal muscle to reduce muscular spasms, and effect striated muscle relaxation. The efficacy in the treatment of acute skeletal muscle hyperactivity secondary to the following conditions has been demonstrated:
1. Trauma, muscular and ligamentous sprains and strains.
2. Myositis, fibrositis, bursitis and synovitis.
3. Tying up syndrome.
4. Muscular spasm prior to or following surgical procedures.
5. Maintenance of muscle relaxation in tetanus.
Methocarbamol can be used concurrently with adrenal corticosteroids and other medications usually employed in these cases without untoward effects.
Contraindications:
Although rat studies have indicated no adverse effects on the pregnant female, fetus or neonate, methocarbamol should not be used during pregnancy unless in the judgment of the veterinarian the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards.
Methocarbamol is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the ingredients.
Warning:
Not to be used in horses intended for food.
Dosage and Administration:
Methocarbamol is compatible with general anesthetics, causing no depression of vital body functions or no prolonging of anesthesia.
Horses: Give drug to effect: moderate conditions, a dose of 2 to 10 mg/lb; for severe conditions (tetanus), a dose of 10 to 25 mg/lb.
Dogs and Cats - Tablets: Dosage and frequency of administration should be based on the severity of symptoms and on the therapeutic response noted. The usual canine and feline dose of methocarbamol is 60 mg/lb body weight in divided doses followed by 30 or 60 mg/lb body weight each following day. The total dose should be divided into two or three equal doses (given at twelve or eight hour intervals respectively).
Due to the nature of the conditions for which methocarbamol therapy is recommended, it is important that an accurate diagnosis is made. If no response is evident within five days of the initiation of treatment, the diagnosis should be redetermined.
Additional information not available for this medicine.