Methocarbamol

Methocarbamol In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• The carbamate derivative of guaifenesin is a central nervous system depressant that has sedative and musculoskeletal relaxant characteristics.
• The complete understanding of the mechanism of action for this substance has yet to be determined.
• It does not exert a direct influence on the contractile mechanism of skeletal muscle, the motor endplate, or the nerve fibre.

Uses of Methocarbamol

• Treatment of tetanus and some toxicities (e.g. pyrethroid, strychnine).
• General muscle relaxant for muscular spasms.

Dose of Methocarbamol in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• 20–45 mg/kg p.o. q8h.
• Very high doses may be required for tetanus.
• It is recommended that the dose does not exceed 330 mg/kg, although serious toxicity or death has not been reported after overdoses.

Side Effects of Methocarbamol in Dogs and Cats

• Salivation, emesis, lethargy, weakness and ataxia.

Contraindications of Methocarbamol in Dogs and Cats

• No information available

Some Notes:

• As methocarbamol is a CNS depressant, additive depression may occur when given with other CNS depressant agents.
• The clearance of methocarbamol is significantly impaired in human patients with renal and hepatic disease.
• There is very limited literature on the use of methocarbamol in cats; case reports describing the use of methocarbamol by intravenous bolus injection and continuous rate infusion in dogs and cats have been published.