Methocarbamol Therapy

Indications and Usage

• Muscle cramps in patients with liver disease, particularly those on diuretic treatment for ascites, may be treated with methocarbamol as an alternative to other therapies 1

Clinical Considerations

• Methocarbamol may provide relief through its sedative properties, according to the Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2
• When used for muscle cramps in cirrhosis patients, methocarbamol can be considered as an alternative to baclofen or albumin 1

Contraindications and Precautions

• Methocarbamol should be used with caution in patients with liver and kidney disease, as elimination is significantly impaired, and in patients with myasthenia gravis, as it interferes with pyridostigmine bromide effects 2
• Common side effects of methocarbamol include drowsiness and dizziness, cardiovascular effects including bradycardia and hypotension 2

Perioperative Management

• Methocarbamol should be held on the day of surgical procedures, and when used preoperatively with IV acetaminophen, it may provide benefits regarding reduced postoperative opiate consumption, improved physical therapy progress, increased walking distance progress, and reduced length of hospital stay after primary arthroplasty 2, 3