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SOMA Carisoprodol 350 is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant that does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man. The mode of action of Carisoprodol in relieving acute muscle spasm of local origin has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties. In animals, Carisoprodol has been shown to produce muscle relaxation by blocking interneuronal activity and depressing transmission of polysynaptic neurons in the spinal cord and in the descending reticular formation of the brain. The onset of action is rapid and lasts four to six hours. Carisoprodol is metabolized in the liver and is excreted by the kidneys. One of the products of metabolism, meprobamate, is active as an anxiolytic. The degree to which it contributes to the efficacy of Carisoprodol is unknown. Carisoprodol is dialyzable by peritoneal and hemodialysis. SOMA Carisoprodol 350 mg Side Effects:Drug Abuse and DependenceIn post-marketing experience, drug abuse and dependence have been reported. The majority of cases of drug abuse, dependence and withdrawal have been reported with prolonged use of Carisoprodol (beyond several months of treatment) or in combination with other CNS depressant or psychotropic drugs. However, there have been cases reported with Carisoprodol alone. Withdrawal symptoms including abdominal cramps, insomnia, headache, nausea, and seizure, have been reported following abrupt cessation after prolonged use. One of the metabolites of Carisoprodol, meprobamate, may be habit forming. (See Pharmacokinetics). Carisoprodol should be used with caution in addiction-prone individuals, and its use should generally be limited to the acute treatment setting and not for more than 2-3 weeks. Overdosage Overdosage of Carisoprodol produces CNS depression, and in severe cases coma. Shock, respiratory depression, seizures and death have also been reported rarely. The following signs and symptoms may be associated with Carisoprodol overdosage: horizontal and vertical nystagmus, blurred vision, mydriasis, mild tachycardia and hypotension, respiratory depression, euphoria, CNS stimulation, muscular incoordination, and/or rigidity, confusion, headache, hallucinations, and dystonic reactions. The effects of an overdosage of Carisoprodol and alcohol or other CNS depressants or psychotropic agents can be additive even when one of the drugs has been taken in the usual recommended dosage. Fatal accidental and non-accidental overdoses have been reported alone or in combination with alcohol or psychotropic drugs. Treatment of Overdosage: Basic life support measures should be instituted as dictated by the clinical presentation. Induced emesis is not recommended due to the risk of CNS and respiratory depression. Gastric lavage should be considered soon after ingestion (usually within 1 hour.) In cases of severe CNS depression, airway protective reflexes may be compromised. In such cases, tracheal intubation should be considered for airway protection and respiratory support. Circulatory support should be administered with volume infusion and pressor agents as indicated. Seizures should be treated with a benzodiazepine IV and may be followed with phenobarbital if seizures recur. Carisoprodol is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidney. The following types of treatment have been used successfully with the related drug meprobamate: activated charcoal (oral or via nasogastric tube), forced diuresis, peritoneal dialysis, and hemodialysis (Carisoprodol is dialyzable). Careful monitoring of urinary output is necessary and caution should be taken to avoid overhydration. Observe for possible relapse due to incomplete gastric emptying and delayed absorption. Carisorprodol can be measured in biological fluids by gas chromatography (Douglas, J.F.et al.: J Pharm Sci 58:145, 1969). For more information on the management of overdose or unintentional ingestion, contact a Poison Control Center. Carisoprodol Dosage and Administration The usual adult dosage of Carisoprodol Tablets, USP is one 350 mg tablet, three times daily and at bedtime. Usage in patients under age 12 is not recommended. |
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SOMA
Carisoprodol medication relaxes muscles and relieves pain
and discomfort associated with strains, sprains, spasms or other muscle
injuries. Muscle relaxers are for specific muscle injury and pain and
should not be used for general body aches and pains