methocarbamol
Carbacot, Robaxin, Robaxin 750, Skelex
Nursing Considerations
• If needed, crush methocarbamol tablets
and mix with water for administration by
NG tube.
• Give I.V. form directly through infusion
line at 3 ml/min. To prepare solution, add
10 ml to no more than 250 ml D5W or
normal saline solution. Infuse at no more
than 300 mg (3 ml)/ min to avoid hypotension
and seizures.
• Keep patient recumbent during I.V.
administration and for at least 15 minutes
afterward. Then have him rise slowly.
•Monitor I.V. site regularly for signs of
phlebitis.
• Inject I.M. form deep into large muscle,
such as the gluteus. Give no more than
5 ml/dose every 8 hours. One dose is usually
adequate.
• Don’t give methocarbamol by subcutaneous
route.
• Keep epinephrine, antihistamines, and
corticosteroids available in case patient
experiences anaphylactic reaction.
• Be aware that the parenteral dosage form
shouldn’t be used in patients with renal
dysfunction because the polyethylene glycol
300 vehicle is nephrotoxic.
PATIENT TEACHING
• Tell patient to take drug exactly as prescribed.
• Advise patient to take drug with food or
milk to avoid nausea.
• Inform patient that urine may turn green,
black, or brown until mehtocarbamol is
discontinued.
• Advise patient to avoid hazardous activities
until drug’s CNS effects are known.
• Instruct patient to avoid alcohol and other
CNS depressants during therapy.
