Methocarbamol
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Methocarbamol in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- Methocarbamol is a medicine that relaxes muscles. It is used in dogs, cats, and horses.
- It can be given on an empty stomach or with a meal. Giving it with food can reduce stomach upset.
- While taking this medicine, urine may look darker than usual or may look blue-green. This change is not harmful.
- Usual side effects include sleepiness, extra drool, wobbliness or stumbling, clumsy movement, and throwing up.
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail known about this medicine and it does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- This is a muscle-relaxing medicine.
- It comes as tablets.
Other common names
- Robaxin
Uses of Methocarbamol
FDA-approved uses in animals:
- Helps lessen muscle spasms linked to muscles that are sore, swollen, or hurt in dogs, cats, and horses.
At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used in different species or for other reasons (extra-label use), such as:
- Helping relax muscles in dogs that have intervertebral disk disease (a back problem involving the disks between the bones of the spine).
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or non-prescription products (including supplements) your animal is taking.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had with medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use:
- In animals that have an allergy to this medicine.
Use with caution in:
- Animals that have seizure disorders.
- Animals that have liver or kidney disease.
- Animals that work or assist (working or service animals), because this medicine may make them too sleepy to do their tasks.
Certain medications are not allowed in some animal competitions. Check the rules and requirements when your animal is taking a medication.
Warnings for humans
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian directed.
- You may give it with food or without food. If your animal gets an upset stomach, giving it with food may help.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness.
- Drooling.
- Vomiting.
- Poor coordination such as wobbling, stumbling, clumsiness, or weakness. Keep your animal somewhere safe to prevent falls, such as away from stairs.
This medicine may temporarily change urine color. This is not harmful and should stop after the medicine is discontinued.
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Extreme sleepiness.
How will I know it's working?
- Your animal should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days.
- If your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not improve, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
- The effects of this medicine should be gone within 24 hours after the last dose.
- The effects may continue longer if your animal’s kidneys or liver do not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
- This medicine may be used for different time periods. Give it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs.
- You may need to get more of the medicine (a refill).
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen, or you think an overdose may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the medicine container or the label available.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is close to the time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Protect it from light and from too much moisture.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- Do not flush this medicine in the toilet.
- Do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Combine the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
- Do not keep leftover medicine for later use.
- Do not give leftover medicine to anyone else to use.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”