Home/Medicines/Methocarbamol
All medicines

Methocarbamol

Prescription
Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Depresses polysynaptic reflexes in the spinal cord, producing skeletal muscle relaxation without directly affecting the neuromuscular junction

At a glance

Class
Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 30°C; do not refrigerate injectable

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Muscle spasm / Tremorgenic toxicosis / Intervertebral disc disease adjunct
Dose
15–44 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
TID
Max dose
2000 mg/dose; 6000 mg/day
Duration: 3–5 days; up to 220 mg/kg/day IV for toxicosis
🐈

Cat

Muscle spasm / Tremorgenic toxicosis
Dose
15–44 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
TID
Max dose
500 mg/dose; 1500 mg/day
Duration: 3–5 days

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength
500mg
Available in India
💉

Injectable — 1

Strength
100mg/mL

Storage

Store below 30°C; do not refrigerate injectable

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known hypersensitivity

Use with caution

  • Renal impairment (injectable contains polyethylene glycol)
    PEG 300 nephrotoxicity risk with injectable form

Adverse effects

Common
Sedation
Weakness
Salivation
Serious
Bradycardia (IV too rapid)
Respiratory depression

Monitoring parameters

Heart rate during IV administrationLevel of sedationRespiratory rate

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Acepromazine
moderate
Additive CNS depression. Both cause sedation — combined effect may be profound.
Management: Reduce doses of both. Monitor respiratory rate and sedation depth.
Diazepam
moderate
Additive CNS depression and muscle relaxation.
Management: Reduce individual doses. Monitor sedation. Both may be used for tremors/seizures but overlapping sedation requires caution.

Brands

International

Robaxin-V
Zoetis

India

Methocarbamol
IPCA Labs

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Methocarbamol?
Methocarbamol is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant used in pets. Depresses polysynaptic reflexes in the spinal cord, producing skeletal muscle relaxation without directly affecting the neuromuscular junction
›What is Methocarbamol used for in pets?
Methocarbamol is used in veterinary medicine for: Muscle spasm / Tremorgenic toxicosis / Intervertebral disc disease adjunct; Muscle spasm / Tremorgenic toxicosis.
›What is the Methocarbamol dose for dogs?
For dogs, Methocarbamol is typically dosed as follows — Muscle spasm / Tremorgenic toxicosis / Intervertebral disc disease adjunct: 15–44 mg/kg PO/IV TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Methocarbamol dose for cats?
For cats, Methocarbamol is typically dosed as follows — Muscle spasm / Tremorgenic toxicosis: 15–44 mg/kg PO/IV TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Methocarbamol?
Common: Sedation, Weakness, Salivation. Serious (call your vet immediately): Bradycardia (IV too rapid), Respiratory depression.
›Does Methocarbamol need a prescription?
Yes. Methocarbamol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Methocarbamol not be used?
Do not use Methocarbamol if: Known hypersensitivity.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →