UK Clinical Pharmacy Association

Methocarbamol

Issues for surgery

Loss of control of spasticity if omitted.

Risk of CNS depression if continued (see Interactions with common anaesthetic agents and Interactions with other common medicines used in the perioperative period).

Advice in the perioperative period

Elective and emergency surgery 

Continue.

Post-operative advice

Restart post-operatively when enteral intake resumes and next dose due.

Interactions with common anaesthetic agents

CNS depression

See also Interactions with other common medicines used in the perioperative period.

Methocarbamol has CNS depressant effects which may be additive with other medicines that also have CNS depressant effects such as:

  • benzodiazepines
  • inhalational anaesthetics and intravenous anaesthetics
  • local anaesthetics
  • opioids

(Consult British National Formulary for available drugs in each class.)

The manufacturers of methocarbamol suggest it may potentiate the effect of antimuscarinic agents; however, methocarbamol itself does not appear to have antimuscarinic properties.

Interactions with other common medicines used in the perioperative period

CNS depression

See also Interactions with common anaesthetic agents.

Methocarbamol has CNS depressant effects which may be additive with other medicines that also have CNS depressant effects such as:

  • antiemetics (e.g. cyclizine, prochlorperazine)
  • opioids

(Consult British National Formulary for available drugs in each class.)

References

Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (online) London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. [Accessed on 28th May 2024]

Summary of Product Characteristics – Robaxin-750 (methocarbamol), 750 mg Film-coated Tablets. Almirall Limited. Accessed via 28/05/2024 [date of revision of the text July 2017]