Can you take Advil with methocarbamol?

In this article:

• Can you take Advil with methocarbamol?
• What happens if you take methocarbamol and Advil together?
• How long should I wait to take Advil after taking methocarbamol?
• Is it safe to mix methocarbamol and Advil?

In this article

• Can you take Advil with methocarbamol?
• What happens if you take methocarbamol and Advil together?
• How long should I wait to take Advil after taking methocarbamol?
• Is it safe to mix methocarbamol and Advil?

Neck or back pain can be uncomfortable and frustrating. When the pain hits, people look for relief in any way possible. They can turn to ice and heat, physical therapy, or medications for pain relief. Many try taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as Advil. But others with more severe pain may want something stronger, such as methocarbamol, a muscle relaxer. But is it safe to take both? 

Methocarbamol is a skeletal muscle relaxant approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to relieve pain and discomfort caused by various musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle spasms, strains, and sprains. Brand name Advil, known by the generic name ibuprofen, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce pain, swelling, and fevers.

Since methocarbamol and Advil work differently to relieve pain, there may be some situations where healthcare professionals recommend both medications for your pain. Fortunately, these medications aren’t known to interact with one another and may be taken together in certain situations.

Let’s discuss when it’s safe to take methocarbamol with Advil. 

Can you take Advil with methocarbamol?

According to the Medscape drug interaction checker, methocarbamol and ibuprofen aren’t known to interact with one another. This means the drugs don’t affect how each other behaves in the body. 

While methocarbamol and Advil don’t interact with each other, each medication can still interact with other drugs. 

Methocarbamol’s prescribing drug information has a warning regarding potential interactions with alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as opioids and benzodiazepines. Methocarbamol works by slowing down or depressing the central nervous system (CNS). This can cause side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, and low blood pressure. Combining methocarbamol with other drugs that depress the CNS can increase the risk of or worsen these side effects. Because alcohol also slows the CNS, healthcare providers typically recommend avoiding alcohol while taking methocarbamol. 

Ibuprofen may also interact with other medications. Common drug interactions include blood thinners, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and certain blood pressure medications. Similar to methocarbamol, it’s recommended to avoid alcohol while taking ibuprofen due to the increased risk of heartburn, stomach bleeding, and ulcers. 

Although these drugs don’t interact with each other, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before combining their use. That way, they can look over your medical history and current medication list to determine if it’s safe for you to take methocarbamol and Advil together. Store these medications at room temperature and out of the reach of children or pets. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider to see if it is safe to take these medications.

What happens if you take methocarbamol and Advil together?

Although there are no known drug interactions between methocarbamol and Advil, taking these drugs together may increase your risk of particular side effects. Both drugs may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation as side effects. Therefore, combining their use can make these adverse effects more likely to occur. 

On a similar note, Advil and methocarbamol are both metabolized–or broken down– by the liver. People with liver problems or liver disease may clear these drugs more slowly from the body. This can cause the medications to build up in the body, which can increase your risk of side effects.

Individually, methocarbamol and Advil can cause serious side effects. Methocarbamol may cause seizures, slow heartbeat, low blood cell levels, confusion, and jaundice. Advil (ibuprofen) also has serious risks, including bleeding, ulcers or tears in the digestive tract, blood clots, heart problems, and kidney damage. Due to these risks, it’s important to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional before taking methocarbamol or Advil, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, such as heart failure or high blood pressure (hypertension). Your healthcare team will let you know if it’s safe to stop taking your prescriptions and what to do in the case of a missed dose. Call a medical professional or a poison control center immediately if any concerns arise.

How long should I wait to take Advil after taking methocarbamol?

If a healthcare provider recommends taking methocarbamol and Advil together, it may be safe to take them both on the same day. Your healthcare provider may suggest taking them together simultaneously or separating the doses. Both medications can be taken with or without food, but it’s recommended to take Advil with food or milk if it causes stomach upset. 

Is it safe to mix methocarbamol and Advil?

If you’re suffering from moderate to severe pain, it may be beneficial to combine methocarbamol and Advil. There are no drug interactions between the two medications. However, each drug has its risks, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are prone to allergic reactions to medications. Always consult a healthcare provider to discuss whether it’s safe for you to take methocarbamol and Advil together. Make sure you disclose all your medications, including natural health products, such as supplements and vitamins, to your provider. A trusted healthcare professional can assess the potential risks and benefits of taking Advil with methocarbamol.