Drug Name
Generic Name : carisoprodol (isomeprobamate)
Brand Name: Soma
Classification: Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant
Pregnancy Category NR
Dosage & Route
Oral
- Adjunct in the short-term symptomatic treatment of painful muscle spasm associated with musculoskeletal conditions
- Adult: 350 mg 3-4 times daily for up to 2-3 wk.
- Elderly: Half of the usual dose.
Therapeutic actions
- Carisoprodol blocks interneuronal synaptic activity in the descending reticular formation and spinal cord resulting in skeletal muscle relaxation.
- Duration: 4-6 hrs.
- Absorption: Absorbed from the GIT (oral); peak plasma concentrations after 30 min.
- Distribution: Enters breast milk (significant amounts).
- Metabolism: Hepatic; yields meprobamate.
- Excretion: Via urine (as metabolites).
Indications
- Relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures
Adverse effects
- Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, epigastric distress, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, Hypersensitivity reactions, rash.
- Potentially Fatal: Idiosyncratic reaction (rare).
Contraindications
- Acute intermittent porphyria, hypersensitivity. Lactation.
Nursing considerations
Assessment
- History: Allergic or idiosyncratic reactions to carisoprodol, meprobamate; acute intermittent porphyria, suspected porphyria; lactation
- Physical: T; skin color, lesions; orientation, affect; P, BP, orthostatic BP; bowel sounds, liver evaluation; LFTs, renal function tests, CBC
Interventions
- WARNING: Monitor patient for potentially serious idiosyncratic reactions—most likely with first few doses.
- Reduce dose with hepatic impairment.
- Provide safety measures if CNS effects occur.
- Drug may be habit forming. Monitor patient.
Teaching points
- Take this drug exactly as prescribed; do not take a higher dosage; take with food if GI upset occurs.
- Avoid alcohol, sleep-inducing, or over-the-counter drugs; these could cause dangerous effects; if you feel you need one of these preparations, consult your health care provider.
- You may experience these side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo (avoid driving or activities that require alertness); dizziness when you get up or climb stairs (avoid sudden changes in position, use caution climbing stairs); nausea (take drug with food; eat frequent small meals); insomnia, headache, depression (transient effects).
- Report rash, severe nausea, dizziness, insomnia, fever, difficulty breathing.