CLASSIFICATIONS: Autonomic Nervous System Agent; Skeletal Muscular Relaxant: Central-Acting
PROTOTYPE: Cyclobenzaprine
PREGNANCY CATEGORY: C
AVAILABILITY: 350mg tablets
ACTIONS: Propanediol derivative carbamate with cantral 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.
THERAPUTIC EFFECTS: Effective spasmolytic and reduces pain asociated with acute musculoskeletal disorders.
USES: Skeletal muscular spasm, stiffness, and pain in a variety of musculoskeletal disorders and to relieve spasticity and rigidity in cerebral palsy.
CONTRAINDICATION: Hypersensitivity to carisoprodol and related compounds (e.g., meprobamate, tybamate); acute intermittent porphyria; children <5y; pregnancy (category C), lactation.
CAUTIOUS USE: Impaired liver or kidney function, addiction-prone individuals.
ROUTE AND DOSAGE:
MUSCLE SPASM:
Adult: PO 350 mg t.i.d.
Child: PO >5y, 25mg/kg/d in
4 divided doses
ADMINISTRATION:
Oral:
- Give with food, as needed, to reduce GI symptoms. Last dose should be taken at bedtime.
- Store in tightly closed container
