Description
Indication
Robaxisal Extra Strength is indicated for the relief of back pain, muscle spasms, tense neck muscles, as well as strains and sprains.
Robaxisal Extra Strength contains two active ingredients: methocarbamol, a skeletal muscle relaxant that assists in relaxing tense muscles, and aspirin, an acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) that alleviates pain.
Uses and Dosage
Prior to initial use and with each prescription refill, carefully review the provided medication guide and patient information leaflet for Robaxisal Extra Strength. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Robaxisal Extra Strength dosage may vary per individual depending on medical conditions and response to the treatment.
Typically, two caplets are taken with a glass of water or milk every six hours. Do not exceed eight caplets in 24 hours; use only the smallest effective dose as directed by a doctor.
For optimal effectiveness, take Robaxisal Extra Strength at the onset of pain symptoms. Delaying intake until symptoms worsen may result in reduced efficacy of the medication.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Stomach upset
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heartburn
- Blurred vision
Inform your doctor promptly if any of these common side effects last or worsen.
Serious Side Effects
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Dark urine
- Yellowing of eyes or skin
- Hearing problems (e.g., ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
- Signs of kidney problems (e.g., changes in urine output)
- Fast/pounding heartbeat
- Unusual tiredness
- Fainting
- Mental or mood changes (e.g., confusion, forgetfulness)
Inform your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects.
The use of Robaxisal Extra Strength may infrequently lead to severe (rarely fatal) gastrointestinal bleeding. If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, cease taking this medication and promptly consult your doctor or pharmacist:
- Persistent stomach or abdominal pain
- Black stools
- Vomit resembling coffee grounds
Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions to Robaxisal Extra Strength are uncommon. Nonetheless, seek immediate medical assistance if you observe symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash
- Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
The side effects of Robaxisal Extra Strength listed here may not be exhaustive. If you observe any additional effects not listed, notify your doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions
Before starting treatment with Robaxisal Extra Strength, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to methocarbamol, aspirin, other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), other salicylates (e.g., choline salicylate) or any of the inactive ingredients in this caplet.
Inform your doctor of your medical history before taking Robaxisal Extra Strength to ascertain its suitability, particularly if you have a history of:
- Asthma (including a history of exacerbated breathing with a runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs)
- Nasal polyps (growths in the nose)
- Stomach, intestine, or esophagus issues (e.g., ulcers, heartburn)
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Bleeding or blood clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, thrombocytopenia)
- Certain enzyme deficiencies (pyruvate kinase, G6PD deficiency)
- Gout
Certain medications, such as dichlorphenamide, mifepristone, and corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), could interact with Robaxisal Extra Strength. To reduce the likelihood of these interactions, inform your doctor about all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Robaxisal Extra Strength may elevate the risk of bleeding when used in conjunction with other medications that can also induce bleeding, such as:
- Anti-platelet drugs (e.g., clopidogrel)
- Blood thinners (e.g., dabigatran, enoxaparin, warfarin)
Carefully review all your prescription and nonprescription drug labels, as numerous medications include pain relievers and fever reducers (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen). Taking these drugs alongside Robaxisal Extra Strength could heighten the likelihood of experiencing side effects.
However, if your doctor has advised you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (typically 81-162 milligrams daily), continue doing so unless otherwise instructed. For further information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Furthermore, carefully inspect the labels of all your medications, including allergy or cough-and-cold products, as they may contain ingredients known to induce drowsiness. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on using these products safely.
Ensure lab personnel and your doctors know your use of Robaxisal Extra Strength, as it may affect certain lab tests (HIAA/VMA urine screening tests), potentially leading to inaccurate results.
The use of Robaxisal Extra Strength can lead to stomach bleeding. Taking alcohol and smoking tobacco daily, particularly in conjunction with this medication, can elevate the likelihood of experiencing stomach bleeding. Refrain from consuming alcohol, quit smoking, and consult your doctor for more details.
Robaxisal Extra Strength can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machinery, or participating in activities that demand alertness or clear vision until you can do so safely.
Robaxisal Extra Strength contains aspirin and should not be taken by children under 18 years old if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness or recently received a vaccine, as it increases the risk of Reye’s Syndrome.
Older adults may exhibit heightened sensitivity to the side effects of Robaxisal Extra Strength, particularly stomach or intestinal bleeding and ulcers, as well as drowsiness and confusion. The latter two side effects can elevate the risk of falls.
Women of childbearing age should talk to their healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of taking Robaxisal Extra Strength.
This medication is not recommended for use in pregnancy after 20 weeks, and if needed between 20-30 weeks, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest possible time. It should not be used after 30 weeks of pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby and cause problems with labor/delivery.
The transfer of methocarbamol into breast milk is uncertain, while aspirin does enter breast milk and may have adverse effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding during the use of Robaxisal Extra Strength is not recommended; consult with your doctor before breastfeeding.