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carisoprodol
Carisoma§, Soma

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
Tablets:
350 mg

Action
Unknown. Appears to modify central perception of pain without modifying pain reflexes. Muscle relaxant effects may be related to its sedative properties.

Indications & dosage
As an adjunct in acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions--

Adults:
350 mg P.O. t.i.d. and h.s.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, tremor, agitation, irritability, headache, depressive reactions, insomnia.
CV:
orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, facial flushing.
GI:
nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress.
Hematologic:
eosinophilia.
Respiratory:
asthmatic episodes, hiccups.
Skin:
rash, erythema multiforme, pruritus.
Other:
fever, angioedema, anaphylaxis.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
CNS depressants: increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.
Drug-lifestyle.
Alcohol use: increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to related compounds (such as meprobamate or tybamate) and in those with intermittent porphyria.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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