How long does Robaxin stay in your system? (+1 factors)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss the stay time of Robaxin in your system. We will also discuss some factors which may affect the stay time of Robaxin in your body and how to ensure proper use of Robaxin.
How long does Robaxin stay in your system?
Robaxin can stay in your system for about 4-5 hours. Robaxin (methocarbamol) has an elimination half-life of about 1-2 hours in a healthy individual. After 1-2 hours, the drug concentration in the system is reduced to half.
The remaining concentration is further reduced in the next 1-2 hours. This process continues until all of Robaxin is excreted out of your system. If you take another dose of Robaxin during this time, the process will start from the beginning (1).
| Biological sample | Duration of Robaxin detectability |
| Blood | 5-10 hours |
| Urine | 5-10 hours |
| Hair | Up to 90 days |
What is the half-life of Robaxin?
The half-life of Robaxin is around 1-2 hours (average 1.14 hours). However, in patients with liver dysfunction, the half-life increases to 3.8 hours. In kidney disease, the average elimination half-life increases to 1.24 (1).
Therefore, the dose should be adjusted in patients with liver and kidney dysfunction. It is important to monitor such patients for possible side effects due to prolonged stay of the drug in the system.
Factors affecting the stay time of Robaxin in your system
Several factors can affect the stay time of Robaxin in your system, including:
Dosage strength
Robaxin is available in 500 mg and 750 mg tablets. The dosage strength may affect the stay of Robaxin in your body. A higher dose generally requires more time to get metabolized and eliminated from your body. However, if you are taking 500 mg of Robaxin, it might be eliminated more rapidly.
Liver problem
If you have liver disease, Robaxin may build up in your body because of the slower removal of Robaxin from the body. In some rare cases, Robaxin may cause liver injury at a normal dose (2).
Renal disease
Intravenous (IV) dose of Robaxin is contradicted in patients with renal disorder due to the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in injection as an excipient. It should also be used with caution in patients on dialysis. Kidney impairment slightly increases the elimination half-life of Robaxin.
Age
The stay of Robaxin in elderly patients may be longer than the healthy individuals due to liver and kidney dysfunction. The half-life of Robaxin is slightly longer than that of a healthy individual (3).
How to ensure the proper use of Robaxin?
The following are important ways of ensuring the safe, proper and effective use of Robaxin:
- Avoid alcohol: The combined use of alcohol and Robaxin may cause increased dizziness, confusion, and a depressed central nervous system (4). Sometimes it may be fatal.
- Dosage regimen: Always follow the dosage regimen prescribed by your doctor. Do not take less or more than the prescribed dose of Robaxin.
- Missed dose: In case you miss a dose, take Robaxin as soon as possible. However, it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow the regular pattern.
- Report side effects: The common side effects associated with Robaxin include blurred vision, palpitations, dizziness, memory problems, and nausea.
- Other medicines: Always inform your doctor about the use of other prescription and nonprescription medications which you are using to avoid possible side effects.
- Follow-up: Make sure you do regular follow-ups with your doctor to see the progress of Robaxin and for the proper identification of possible harmful effects.
- Myasthenia gravis: Robaxin should not be given to patients suffering from myasthenia gravis as it may exacerbate muscle weakness and fatigue (5).
In my opinion as a pharmacist, safe and effective use of Robaxin is possible only if you strictly adhere to the dosage regimen. If you feel your condition is not improving or the side effects are reducing your quality of life then inform your doctor.
Your doctor may prescribe you another muscle relaxant or reduce the dose of Robaxin. If you are not comfortable with IV injection because of pain or needle phobia, you may take Robaxin tablets after consulting with your doctor.
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References
1.-
Sibrack J, Hammer R. Methocarbamol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565868/
2.-
Lammert C, Einarsson S, Saha C, Niklasson A, Bjornsson E, Chalasani N. Relationship between daily dose of oral medications and idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury: search for signals. Hepatology. 2008 Jun;47(6):2003-9. https://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hep.22272
3.-
Beers MH. Explicit criteria for determining potentially inappropriate medication use by the elderly: an update. Archives of internal medicine. 1997 Jul 28;157(14):1531-6. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/623574
4.-
Ferslew KE, Hagardorn AN, McCormick WF. A fatal interaction of methocarbamol and ethanol in an accidental poisoning. Journal of forensic sciences. 1990 Mar 1;35(2):477-82. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/44471274/A_fatal_interaction_of_methocarbamol_and20160406-29019-sbsf2-libre.pdf?1459939525=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DA_fatal_interaction_of_methocarbamol_and.pdf&Expires=1703680733&Signature=HzgNPPIStV5-vRo~Nya44FdKGeHBKYmzNC8UqvjCkCwzBEwMqisZaoLLZWPIVOwmRDZUquLR4xbolo5S0-gHQtDvSsO~hsALE4Rul4rjcvAXrLMhAyYQTpd2oO8T7w7m6OLAcVG1d9qq~6WGan2Wt4LGkBLxFk3tFtVbMPkB~yF8xOR8~wuiBb4B2deEwrtU7psdawONkq6eIYPEDWqBwjxz5-N83PPhad1Saqrt9TbUo0~w7PEZLQiT~wyk3f313YvCQbCte8lovw8tus5hx1lYs8ZWQzxvCIedK-nvtACsQSiAPcYuPG~H6ftBQOLjcgqEJRdV~YuLUkBFYCA~PA__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA
5.-
Podrizki A. Methocarbamol and myasthenia gravis. JAMA. 1968 Sep 23;205(13):938-. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/340909
