Carisoprodol

Carisoprodol is a skeletal muscle relaxant whose active metabolite is meprobamate. Although several case reports have shown that carisoprodol has abuse potential, it continues to be widely prescribed (not so in the United Kingdom where use of benzodiazepines is preferred). Carisoprodol is a colorless, crystalline powder, having a mild, characteristic odor and a bitter taste. It is slightly soluble in water and freely soluble in alcohol, chloroform and acetone. Its solubility is practically independent of pH. It is marketed in the United States under the brand name Soma, and in the United Kingdom and other countries under the brand name Carisoma.

Chemistry
It is a carbamic acid ester. Carisoprodol is a racemic mixture of two stereoisomers.

Effects

 * Analgesia
 * Relief from hypertonia

Side effects
These are somewhat rare when used at normal doses.


 * Somnolence
 * Ataxia

Pharmacokinetics
Carisoprodol has a rapid, 30 minute onset of action, with the aforementioned effects lasting for approximately 2–6 hours. It is metabolized in the liver via the cytochrome P450 oxidase isozyme CYP2C19, excreted by the kidneys and has an approximate 8 hour half-life.