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Methocarbamol is a centrally acting muscle relaxant
which is chemically related to guaifensin. Methocarbamol diminishes skeletal
muscle hyperactivity without altering normal muscle tone. The mechanism
of action is via the internucial neurons of the spinal chord. Methocarbamol
interrupts the transmission of abnormal impulses from disturbed muscle
but does not affect the contractile mechanism of skeletal muscle. Methocarbamol
is used to treat muscle spasms associated with back problems, and exercise
related muscle problems such as exertional rhabdomyolysis. It may also
be used as part of the treatment for tetanus and strychnine poisoning
in dogs and cats. Methocarbamol is safe to use with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, corticosteroids and other medications used for the treatment of
muscle spasm.
Methocarbamol is FDA approved for use in both dogs and cats for muscle relaxation with intervertebral disc disease and traumatic muscle strains. It is also used to control muscle spasm and tremors in animals with tetanus, or strychnine poisoning.
Injectable methocarbamol is FDA approved for use in
horses for treatment of "acute inflammatory and traumatic conditions
of the skeletal muscle to reduce muscle spasm and effect striated muscle
relaxation." It is frequently used in combination with other drugs
for the treatment of exertional rhabdomyolysis. In horses that are severely
tied up, especially those that are dehydrated or have discolored urine,
simultaneous treatment with large volumes of intravenous fluids is frequently
recommended.
Oral methocarbamol is commonly used in sport horse practice for the treatment
and management of sore backs and muscle strain. It is sometimes prescribed
for preventative use in horses that are prone to exertional rhabdomyolysis.
Methocarbamol is a CNS depressant and has secondary sedative properties
which may affect coordination and performance. Although oral methocarbamol
is not FDA approved for use in horses, it is commonly used and accepted
practice.
Methocarbamol is either a regulated or prohibited substance in most sanctioned
competition. It is an ARCI class 4 drug. Detection times are dose related
and may vary further with oral use. The USEF has issued general recommendations
concerning doses and times to help competitors comply with their restrictions.
USEF drug rules may be viewed on their website.
• Dogs and Cats: sedation, salivation, vomiting,
lethargy, weakness, ataxia.
• Horses: sedation, ataxia.
• Methocarbamol is a CNS depressant. At normal doses, it is considered
a safe and relatively nontoxic drug. Salivation and staggering are sometimes
seen after rapid intravenous administration. In dogs and cats, dose rate
should not exceed 2 ml per minute.
• Injectable methocarbamol contains polyethylene
glycol and should probably not be used in animals with decreased kidney
function.
• Because methocarbamol can cause sedation and CNS depression, it
may impair coordination.
• Injection site reactions can occur after extravasation at the injection
site.
• Methocarbamol will cause additive CNS depression if given with
other drugs that depress the central nervous system.
• Overdoses usually cause CNS depression, excessive sedation, staggering,
altered reflexes and prostration.
• If the overdose was due to oral administration, gut emptying may
be appropriate if the animal is conscious and the overdose was recent.
Dr.
Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware
and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com
The information contained on this site
is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does
not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions
of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or
diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the
risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Wedgewood compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
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