Carisoprodol (8 brand names, 2 dosage forms, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: TABLET, CAPSULE.
Routes of administration: ORAL.
Brand Names
- CARISOPRODOL
- CARISOPRODOL AND ASPIRIN
- CARISOPRODOL COMPOUND
- CARISOPRODOL, ASPIRIN AND CODEINE PHOSPHATE
- RELA
- SOMA
- SOMA COMPOUND
- SOMA COMPOUND W/ CODEINE
Indications and Usage
Carisoprodol tablets, USP is indicated for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults. Carisoprodol tablets, USP should only be used for short periods (up to two or three weeks) because adequate evidence of effectiveness for more prolonged use has not been established and because acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions are generally of short duration [ see Dosage and Administration (2) ].
Dosage and Administration
The recommended dose of Carisoprodol tablets, USP is 250 mg to 350 mg three times a day and at bedtime. The recommended maximum duration of carisoprodol tablets, USP use is up to two or three weeks.
Contraindications
Carisoprodol tablets, USP is contraindicated in patients with a history of acute intermittent porphyria or a hypersensitivity reaction to a carbamate such as meprobamate.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of carisoprodol in relieving discomfort associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions has not been clearly identified. In animal studies, muscle relaxation induced by carisoprodol is associated with altered interneuronal activity in the spinal cord and in the descending reticular formation of the brain.
Overdosage
Overdosage of carisoprodol commonly produces CNS depression. Death, coma, respiratory depression, hypotension, seizures, delirium, hallucinations, dystonic reactions, nystagmus, blurred vision, mydriasis, euphoria, muscular incoordination, rigidity, and/or headache have been reported with carisoprodol overdosage.Serotonin syndrome has been reported with carisoprodol intoxication. Many of the carisoprodol overdoses have occurred in the setting of multiple drug overdoses (including drugs of abuse, illegal drugs, and alcohol). The effects of an overdose of carisoprodol and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) can be additive even when one of the drugs has been taken in the recommended dosage. Fatal accidental and non-accidental overdoses of carisoprodol have been reported alone or in combination with CNS depressants. Treatment of Overdosage: Basic life support measures should be instituted as dictated by the clinical presentation of the carisoprodol overdose.Vomiting should not be induced because of the risk of CNS and respiratory depression, and subsequent aspiration. Circulatory support should be administered with volume infusion and vasopressor agents if needed. Seizures should be treated with intravenous benzodiazepines and the reoccurrence of seizures may be treated with phenobarbital. In cases of severe CNS depression, airway protective reflexes may be compromised and tracheal intubation should be considered for airway protection and respiratory support. For decontamination in cases of severe toxicity, activated charcoal should be considered in a hospital setting in patients with large overdoses who present early and are not demonstrating CNS depression and can protect their airway. For more information on the management of an overdose of carisoprodol, contact a Poison Control Center.