Can You Use Methocarbamol During Pregnancy?

As per sources, about 140 million birth occurs every year thats 4 birth every second day. It takes a immense labor pain as well as the pre delivery muscle pain to a woman. Several medication are also proposed to calm it down or the non medical things like Yoga, massages are also preferred. due to immersive information blast on the topic there has been noise that confuses the actual information. Methocarbamol a prescription based muscle relaxer creates complications during the period.

Pregnancy is a crucial stage in a woman’s life. Let us understand how Methocarbamol and Pregnancy are connected.

What Is Methocarbamol?

Methocarbamol is a generic medicine belonging to the muscle relaxers drug class. Robaxin, Robaxin-750, Carbacot, and Skrillex are common brands. Methocarbamol was approved on the 16th of July 1957 by FDA in the USA as a muscle relaxant for acute and painful musculoskeletal conditions. You can also buy Methocarbamol online from a certified online pharmacy but it is recommended to get a doctor's prescription first.

How Methocarbamol Works?

Methocarbamol works in the central nervous system. The working mechanism is not yet clarified however it is found that it slows down the process in CNS and thus relaxes the muscles. It also alters the nerve signals to the brain. Secondly, Methocarbamol is not a controlled substance but is available with a prescription.

Muscles, ligaments, bones, tendons, and soft tissues are part of the musculoskeletal system. Pain in bones, ligaments, etc is called a musculoskeletal condition. In pregnancy, your joints and ligaments are relaxed by your hormones to get your body ready for the child’s birth.

However, you may face a lot of muscle stiffness and pain in joints and ligaments. While you are pregnant, your body gains weight suddenly. This weight affects your joints and bones. This also leads to body stiffness in pregnancy.

You may consider taking painkillers. Painkillers can be harmful to you as well as the unborn child. This is the reason you need to take extra care when you are pregnant. The unborn child is susceptible, and some medicines can be harmful to his life inside the womb or out while in breastfeeding.

Methocarbamol And Pregnancy

Methocarbamol is classified as a category C drug in pregnancy. FDA classifies the drugs for pregnancy into five categories. Category A, B, C, D, and X.

Category A drugs are safe to take in pregnancy. Category B drugs are somewhat safe, but you need to consult the doctor.

Category C drugs are not advised to be taken during pregnancy unless advised by a doctor. Category D drugs should not be taken if you are pregnant. Finally, the X category drugs are completely prohibited during pregnancy.

Methocarbamol affects your central nervous system. It is not suggested to consume it during pregnancy. It is highly recommended that you focus on exercising and Yoga instead of taking Methocarbamol during pregnancy.

Forms And Strengths Of Methocarbamol

Methocarbamol comes in two forms. Oral tablets and injection form. Oral tablets come in strengths of 500mg and 750mg. The injection form of methocarbamol has a power of 100 mg/ml.

Precautions While Taking Methocarbamol

There are severe effects of consuming Methocarbamol with alcohol. It is not advised to consume alcohol. It causes dizziness. It is not suggested to take Methocarbamol before driving out. You should not do work where you need to be alert if you are on Methocarbamol.

The dosage for oral tablets of Methocarbamol should not exceed 1500 mg 4 times a day. In severe cases, the dosage of Methocarbamol should not exceed 6000 mg per day for the first 48 to 72 hours. In extreme cases, the dose can go up to 8000 mg per day.

In the case of injections, the dosage of Methocarbamol for moderate symptoms is 1g IV or IM. After this, you should switch to oral dosage, as stated above.
Once again, in severe conditions and severe symptoms, 1g IV or IM every 8 hours is suggested. This should then be followed up by oral tablets.

The maximum injection dosage for Methocarbamol is 3g in 24 hours, not more than that. And the maximum period for which you can take Methocarbamol will be three days.

You can repeat the medicine after 48 hours of drug-free intervals. Pregnant women are recommended to take Methocarbamol only as per the physician’s prescription.

Side Effects

Getting instant medical help is necessary if you face any side effects or allergies to Methocarbamol. Suppose you meet any allergy symptoms like difficulty breathing or swelling on the tongue, lips, face, or throat. You should seek medical help immediately.

You should contact a doctor if you face:

• A seizure
• Swelling, pain, bruise
• Slow heartbeats
• Light head feeling or passing out
• Common side effects of Methocarbamol are:
• Headache
• Fever, drowsiness, dizziness
• Problems in sleeping
• Nausea, upset stomach
• Memory problems

List Of Muscle Relaxers You Should Avoid During Pregnancy

• Soma (Carisoprodol)
• Metaxalone
• Tizanidine
• Baclofen
• Diazepam

Conclusion

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant and pain reliever drug classified as Category C for pregnancy by FDA. Pregnant women should not take it without medical assistance. Instead of taking Methocarbamol, pregnant women should consider physical therapy to relieve the pain.

Methocarbamol can make you feel dizzy, have memory loss, and have concentration issues. If you are pregnant and have been advised of Methocarbamol by the doctor, avoid activities requiring attention, such as driving.