CARISOPRODOL
(kar-eye-soe-proe'dole)
Rela, Soma
Classifications: autonomic nervous system agent; skeletal muscle relaxant: central-acting
Prototype: Cyclobenzaprine
Pregnancy Category: C

Availability

350 mg tablets

Actions

Propanediol derivative carbamate with central depressant action pharmacologically related to meprobamate. Precise action mechanism of CNS depression is not clear. Skeletal muscle relaxant effect, unlike that of neuromuscular blocking agents, appears to be due to sedative action. Voluntary motor function is not lost, but there may be slight reduction in muscle tone leading to relief of pain and discomfort of muscle spasm.

Therapeutic Effects

Effective spasmolytic and reduces pain associated with acute musculoskeletal disorders.

Uses

Skeletal muscle spasm, stiffness, and pain in a variety of musculoskeletal disorders and to relieve spasticity and rigidity in cerebral palsy.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to carisoprodol and related compounds (e.g., meprobamate, tybamate); acute intermittent porphyria; children <5 y; pregnancy (category C), lactation.

Cautious Use

Impaired liver or kidney function, addiction-prone individuals.

Route & Dosage

Muscle Spasm
Adult: PO 350 mg t.i.d.
Child: PO >5 y, 25 mg/kg/d in 4 divided doses

Administration

Oral

Adverse Effects (1%)

Body as a Whole: Eosinophilia, asthma, fever, anaphylactic shock. CV: Tachycardia, postural hypotension, facial flushing. GI: Nausea, vomiting, hiccups. CNS: Drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, tremor, headache, irritability, depressive reactions, syncope, insomnia. Skin: Skin rash, erythema multiforme, pruritus.

Interactions

Drug: Alcohol, cns depressants potentiate CNS effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: 30 min. Duration: 4–6 h. Distribution: Crosses placenta. Metabolism: Metabolized in liver. Elimination: Excreted by kidneys; excreted in breast milk (2–4 times the plasma concentrations). Half-Life: 8 h.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Patient & Family Education


Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug