Dosing and uses of Soma (carisoprodol)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
tablet: Schedule IV
- 250mg
- 350mg
Musculoskeletal Conditions
250-350 mg q8hr and Hs
Dosing Modifications
Renal impairment: Caution; not studied
Hepatic impairment: Caution; not studied
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
tablet: Schedule IV
- 250mg
- 350mg
Musculoskeletal Conditions
<16 years: Not recommended
>16 years: 250-350 mg q8hr and Hs
Geriatric dosage forms and strengths
Not drug of choice in elderly, owing to risk of orthostatic hypotension and CNS depression
Soma (carisoprodol) adverse (side) effects
>10%
Drowsiness (13-17%)
1-10%
Dizziness (7-8%)
Headache (3-5%)
Frequency not defined
Orthostatic hypotension
Syncope
Tachycardia
Agitation
Irritability
Depression
Allergic/idiosyncratic reactions (pruritus, rash, dizziness, etc)
Epigastric distress
N/V
Facial flushing
Weakness
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to carisoprodol, meprobamate, mebutamate, tybamate
History of acute intermittent porphyria
Cautions
Caution in hepatic/renal impairment
May cause CNS depression
Severe weakness may occur
Seizures reported with its use in patients with or without seizure history
Risk of allergic reactions
Sedation may occur, caution with driving/operating machinery
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Enters breast milk; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Soma (carisoprodol)
Mechanism of action
Not clearly known; may block interneural activity and depress polysynaptic neuron transmission
Absorption
Onset: 30 min
Duration: 4-6 hr
Peak plasma time: 1.5-2 hr
Metabolism
Metabolized by liver microsomal enzymes (CYP2C19)
Elimination
Half-life: 2 hr; meprobamate (8 hr)
Dialyzable: Yes (HD, PD)
Excretion: Urine
