Shortage of injectable methocarbamol

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of injectable methocarbamol. The only US-approved version is sold under the brand name Robaxin, although there are other brand names for combinations with aspirin, acetominophen, and ibuprofen. West-Ward gives no reason for the shortage. This drug is a muscle relaxant which acts at the level of the nervous system to block pain signals sent to the brain. Methocarbamol is much less addictive than other muscle relaxants, but it does have a sedative effect and may cause dizziness. It is one of many drugs that the National Committee for Quality Assurance considers high-risk in the elderly.