Carisoprodol (Soma)
Rela®, Soma® | Soprodal 350™ | Vanadom®
Classification:
Musculoskeletal Agents
- Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Musculoskeletal Agents
- Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Description: Carisoprodol is a central-acting, oral skeletal muscle relaxant. It is an older drug that is less frequently used due to the availability of newer agents. One of its metabolites is meprobamate, a commercially available anxiolytic agent. It is unclear, however, whether this metabolite is generated in quantities sufficient to produce a clinical effect. Carisoprodol was approved by the FDA in 1959. There have been reports of abuse of carisoprodol. On February 11, 1997, the FDA Drug Abuse Advisory Committee requested that addiction studies be provided for review; however, a DEA schedule has not been assigned to this drug.
Mechanism of Action: The actions of carisoprodol are related to a central (i.e., CNS) mechanism and not to a direct effect on skeletal muscle. Carisoprodol appears to interrupt neuronal communication within the reticular formation and spinal cord. CNS depression produces sedation, and the perception of pain could be altered. Some believe that most of the benefit seen with carisoprodol is secondary to a generalized sedative effect, but this is difficult to verify due to the limited amount of clinical data available.
Carisoprodol Tablets(Tab 350 mg)
Pharmacokinetics: Carisoprodol is administered orally. Following oral administration, the onset of action occurs in about 30 minutes and lasts for 4 - 6 hours. Carisoprodol distributes widely in the body; it crosses the placenta and is distributed into breast milk. Carisoprodol is hepatically metabolized to several metabolites including meprobamate, but it is unclear if any of these metabolites contribute to clinical response. Carisoprodol is extensively metabolized and is a significant substrate of CYP2C19 isoenzymes. Plasma half-life is about 8 hours. Excretion is mainly via the urine as metabolites.
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[ Revised 3/30/2005 12:05:00 PM ]
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