Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Carisoprodol tablets are available as 350 mg round, white tablets. Carisoprodol is a white, crystalline powder, having a mild, characteristic odor and a bitter taste. It is slightly soluble in water; freely soluble in alcohol, in chloroform, and in acetone; and its solubility is practically independent of pH. Carisoprodol is present as a racemic mixture.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 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. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Carisoprodol is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant that does not directly relax skeletal muscles. A metabolite of carisoprodol, meprobamate, has anxiolytic and sedative properties. The degree to which these properties of meprobamate contribute to the safety and efficacy of carisoprodol is unknown. 12.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Carisoprodol is indicated for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults. Limitation of Use Carisoprodol 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) ].
Common Doses
- 350 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose of carisoprodol is 350 mg three times a day and at bedtime. The recommended maximum duration of carisoprodol use is up to two or three weeks. Recommended dose is 350 mg three times a day and at bedtime. (2)
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Carisoprodol is contraindicated in patients with a history of acute intermittent porphyria or a hypersensitivity reaction to a carbamate such as meprobamate. Acute intermittent porphyria (4) Hypersensitivity reactions to a carbamate such as meprobamate (4)
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 2%) are drowsiness, dizziness, and headache (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Oxford Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-844 508 1455 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in practice.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) - additive sedative effects ( 5.1 , 7.1 ) 7.1 CNS Depressants The sedative effects of carisoprodol and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive. Therefore, caution should be exercised with patients who take more than one of these CNS depressants simultaneously. Concomitant use of carisoprodol and meprobamate, a metabolite of carisoprodol, is not recommended [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. 7.