Page 177 - 2022 Ranger Medic Handbook

METHOCARBOMOL (ROBAXIN)
Class: Somatic nervous system agent – central-acting, skeletal muscle relaxant
Action: Causes skeletal muscle relaxation by general CNS depression
Dose: 500mg up to 1.5g PO qid × 2–3 days; 500mg recommended starting dose
Indications: For management of discomfort associated with acute musculoskeletal disorders as adjunct to physical
therapy and other measures
Contraindications: Comatose; CNS depression; acidosis, kidney dysfunction; pregnancy category caution advised
during pregnancy and consider alternative while breastfeeding
Adverse/Side-effects: Fever, anaphylactic reaction, flushing, syncope, convulsions; urticaria, pruritus, rash, thrombo-
phlebitis, pain, sloughing; conjunctivitis, blurred vision, nasal congestion; drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness,
headache; hypotension, bradycardia; nausea, metallic taste
Interactions: Alcohol and other CNS depressants enhance CNS depression
Mission Impact: GROUNDING medication for personnel on flight status

METHYLPREDNISOLONE (SOLU-MEDROL) SECTION 4
Class: Hormones and synthetic substitutes – adrenal corticosteroid, glucocorticosteroid, anti-inflammatory
Action: Intermediate-acting synthetic steroid with less sodium and water retention effects than hydrocortisone; inhib-
its phagocytosis and release of allergic substances; modifies immune response to various stimuli; anti-inflammatory
and immunosuppressive
Dose: 125mg IV q6hr or 150mg IM q6hr
Indications: For management of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, control of severe acute and chronic al-
lergic processes, acute bronchial asthma.
Contraindications: Systemic fungal infections; pregnancy category caution advised during pregnancy and may use
while breastfeeding
Adverse/Side-effects: Euphoria, headache, insomnia, confusion, psychosis; CHF, edema; nausea, vomiting, peptic
ulcer; muscle weakness, delayed wound healing, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, aseptic necrosis of bone, spontane-
ous fractures; cushingoid features, growth suppression in children, carbohydrate intolerance, hyperglycemia; cataracts;
leukocytosis; hypokalemia
Interactions: Amphotericin B, furosemide, thiazide diuretics increase potassium loss; may enhance virus replication
or increase attenuated virus vaccine adverse effects; isoniazid, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin increase metabo-
lism and decrease effectiveness

2022 RANGER MEDIC HANDBOOK 163