< Back to Prescription Drug Index

Discuss prescriptions and health topics in the new HealthDigest Forum

Carisoprodol
Carisoprodol (Soma)
Carisoprodol
(kar-eye-so-PROH-dohl)
Pregnancy Category: C Soma (Rx)

Classification: Skeletal muscle relaxant, centrally acting

See Also: See also Skeletal Muscle Relaxants, Centrally Acting.

Action/Kinetics: Does not directly relax skeletal muscles. Sedative effects may be responsible for muscle relaxation. Onset: 30 min. Duration: 4-6 hr. Peak serum levels: 4-7 mcg/mL. t1/2: 8 hr. Metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine.

Uses: As an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures to treat skeletal muscle disorders including bursitis, low back disorders, contusions, fibrositis, spondylitis, sprains, muscle strains, and cerebral palsy.

Contraindications: Acute intermittent porphyria. Hypersensitivity to carisoprodol or meprobamate. Children under 12 years of age.

Special Concerns: Use with caution during lactation and in impaired liver or kidney function. May cause GI upset and sedation in infants.

Side Effects: CNS: Ataxia, dizziness, drowsiness, excitement, tremor, syncope, vertigo, insomnia, irritability, headache, depressive reactions. GI: N&V;, gastric upset, hiccoughs. CV: Flushing of face, postural hypotension, tachycardia. Allergic reactions: Pruritus, skin rashes, erythema multiforme, eosinophilia, fever, dizziness, angioneurotic edema, asthmatic symptoms, ``smarting'' of the eyes, weakness, hypotension, anaphylaxis.

Overdose Management: Symptoms: Stupor, coma, shock, respiratory depression, and rarely death. Treatment: Supportive measures. Diuresis, osmotic diuresis, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis. Monitor urinary output to avoid overhydration. Observe client for possible relapse due to incomplete gastric emptying and delayed absorption.

Drug Interactions: Alcohol / Additive CNS depressant effects Antidepressants, tricyclic / Effect of carisoprodol Barbiturates / Possible effect of carisoprodol, followed by inhibition of carisoprodol Chlorcyclizine / Effect of carisoprodol CNS depressants / Additive CNS depression MAO inhibitors / Effect of carisoprodol by breakdown by liver Phenobarbital / Effect of carisoprodol by breakdown by liver Phenothiazines / Additive depressant effects