Methocarbamol
Also known as: Robaxin, Robaxin-V, Robaxin-750
> **Important Note:** Your pet's urine color may darken (sometimes appearing black, brown, or green) while on this medication. This is a harmless side effect and need not be a concern. * **Sedation and Clumsiness:** This medication commonly causes drowsiness, lethargy, and uncoordinated walking (ataxia). Keep your pet in a safe, confined area away from stairs, furniture they might jump off, or other hazards to prevent injury. * **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose, do not double up on the next one. * **Side Effects to Report:** Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences severe vomiting, excessive drooling, or becomes so weak they cannot stand.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Relief of moderate conditions
- Controlling severe effects of strychnine and tetanus
- General muscle relaxation (Tablets)
- Adjunctive treatment (control of seizures/muscle tremors) of permethrin toxicity
- General muscle spasms, tetanus, toxicities
- Moderate conditions
- Severe conditions
- General muscle relaxation
- Oral administration
- Acute rhabdomyolysis
- Treatment of CNS hyperactivity
- Relief of moderate conditions
- Controlling severe effects of strychnine and tetanus
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation
- Salivation
- Emesis
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Ataxia
Cautions & contraindications
- Food-producing animals
- Renal disease (injectable formulation only, due to PEG 300 vehicle)
- Known hypersensitivity to methocarbamol
- Subcutaneous (SC) administration
- No specific contraindications available, but use with caution in renal or hepatic impairment.
- **Administration Warnings:** * **Intravenous Use:** Give IV slowly. Do not exceed a rate of **2 mL/minute** in dogs and cats. Avoid extravasation as it can cause tissue irritation. * **Do NOT administer subcutaneously (SC).** **Organ System Warnings:** * **Renal Impairment:** The injectable product contains polyethylene glycol (PEG) 300, which can increase pre-existing acidosis and urea retention. Avoid IV use in patients with known or suspected renal pathology. * **Working Animals:** May impair the abilities of working animals due to CNS depressant effects. **Reproductive/Nursing:** * FDA Category C for pregnancy. Use with caution as a last resort when benefits clearly outweigh risks. Safety during lactation is unknown, though considered compatible with breastfeeding in humans. **Laboratory Considerations:** * May falsely elevate urinary values of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) or 5-HIAA.
Drug interactions
- CNS Depressants (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates): Additive CNS depression may occur when given concurrently.
- Pyridostigmine: May cause severe weakness (reported in a human patient with myasthenia gravis).
- Other CNS depressants: Additive CNS depression
Frequently asked questions
What is Methocarbamol used for in pets?
> **Important Note:** Your pet's urine color may darken (sometimes appearing black, brown, or green) while on this medication. This is a harmless side effect and need not be a concern. * **Sedation and Clumsiness:** This medication commonly causes drowsiness, lethargy, and uncoordinated walking (ataxia). Keep your pet in a safe, confined area away from stairs, furniture they might jump off, or other hazards to prevent injury. * **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose, do not double up on the next one. * **Side Effects to Report:** Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences severe vomiting, excessive drooling, or becomes so weak they cannot stand.
Is Methocarbamol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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