THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF METHOCARBAMOL AS A MUSCLE RELAXANT WITH ANALGESIC ACTION: ANALYSIS OF CURRENT DATA

Abstract

Background. The causes of musculoskeletal pain are various diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including osteoporosis, osteochondrosis, arthritis, bone tumors, myalgia, etc. Despite the progress of pharmacology and modern clinical medicine, the problem of pain therapy remains an urgent medical and social problem. One of the preparations of choice for such patients is methocarbomol, a central-acting muscle relaxant whose effect is caused by a general depressant effect on the central nervous system. Objective. The aim of the work is a critical analysis of current scientific data on the safety and efficacy of the use of methocarbamol as a muscle relaxant mediating analgesic action. Methods. Analysis and systematization of current scientific data on clinical study of safety and efficacy of methocarbamol preparations in various pathologies. Results. The results of controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials on the efficacy of methocarbamol have been analyzed, as well as a critical evaluation of data on clinical safety studies. Conclusions. Methocarbamol is characterized by a favorable safety profile when administered either orally or in injectable form. The incidence of side effects does not exceed that of other commonly used myelorelaxants. Methocarbamol has proven to be an effective and safe drug for use as a supplement to exercise regimen (muscle rest), physiotherapy and other activities to ease the discomfort associated with acute musculoskeletal disorders.