Robaxin vs. Skelaxin
See how Robaxin and Skelaxin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Robaxin and Skelaxin are both prescription muscle relaxants used short-term for acute musculoskeletal pain alongside rest and physical therapy.
Robaxin requires a multi-day titration and comes in oral and injectable forms, while Skelaxin uses one flat dose with no titration needed.
Robaxin typically costs less per month than Skelaxin, which also needs to be taken with a high-fat meal for full absorption.
Robaxin vs. Skelaxin Drug Summary
Robaxin
Robaxin (methocarbamol) is a centrally-acting carbamate muscle relaxant used as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for acute musculoskeletal pain. It starts with a higher oral dose for the first few days, then tapers down, and it also comes in an injectable form used in hospitals, including for tetanus.
Skelaxin
Skelaxin (metaxalone) is a skeletal muscle relaxant also used alongside rest and physical therapy for acute musculoskeletal pain. It is taken as a flat oral dose three to four times a day with no titration needed, and absorption increases significantly when it is taken with a high-fat meal.
Robaxin vs. Skelaxin Side Effects
Robaxin
Skelaxin
Robaxin vs. Skelaxin Dosage
Robaxin
Skelaxin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1500 mg four times daily | Days 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | 1000 mg IM/IV per dose | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 3 days |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 800 mg 3-4 times daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 800 mg 3-4 times daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Robaxin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1500 mg four times daily | Days 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | 1000 mg IM/IV per dose | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 3 days |
Skelaxin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 800 mg 3-4 times daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 800 mg 3-4 times daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Robaxin vs. Skelaxin Indications
Robaxin
Robaxin is FDA-approved to relieve discomfort from acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions when used with rest and physical therapy. Its injectable form is also approved as adjunctive therapy in tetanus management. It is approved for adults and adolescents 16 and older.
Acute musculoskeletal pain relief (adjunct therapy)
Adjunctive treatment for tetanus (injectable form)
Approved for ages 16 and older
Available in oral tablet and IV/IM injection
Skelaxin
Skelaxin is FDA-approved to relieve discomfort from acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions when used with rest and physical therapy. It is approved for adults and adolescents 13 and older, a slightly younger age range than Robaxin. It is available only as an oral tablet.
Acute musculoskeletal pain relief (adjunct therapy)
Approved for ages 13 and older
Oral tablet form only
Not approved for children 12 and under
Robaxin vs. Skelaxin Pros and Cons
Robaxin
Robaxin has been used since 1957 and is not a federally controlled substance, unlike some other muscle relaxants. It offers both oral and injectable options, giving flexibility for more severe or hospital cases. Its titration schedule means dosing changes over the first several days of treatment.
Pros
Not a federally controlled substance
Available as IV/IM injection for severe or hospital cases
Lower typical monthly cost, roughly $27 to $81 versus $110 to $265 for Skelaxin
Cons
Requires a multi-day titration schedule with frequent daily dosing
Injectable form can cause tissue or vascular injury if given incorrectly
Not approved for children under 16
CNS side effects can be intensified by alcohol or other depressants
Skelaxin
Skelaxin uses one consistent dose without a titration period, which can simplify starting treatment. It is approved for a slightly younger age group than Robaxin, down to age 13. It is only available as an oral tablet, with no injectable option for acute care settings.
Pros
No titration schedule; simple dosing from day one
Approved for adolescents as young as 13
Uses a single 800 mg tablet strength, avoiding titration mix-ups
Cons
Higher typical monthly cost, roughly $110 to $265 versus $27 to $81 for Robaxin
Absorption depends on taking it with a high-fat meal
Risk of serotonin syndrome with other serotonergic drugs
Contraindicated in severe renal or hepatic impairment and certain anemias
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