Continuing Education Activity

Carisoprodol is an FDA-approved drug that relieves discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Although marketed as a muscle relaxant, the parent compound is actually in the tranquilizer class of medications, with the primary metabolite being meprobamate, a benzodiazepine. Treating clinicians should assess patients for risk factors like substance abuse history and medication compliance when considering carisoprodol for pain and muscle spasms. In cases of overdose, emergency clinicians stabilize the patient, and severe cases may require critical care and toxicologist consultation or psychiatry referral for substance disorders. 

This activity reviews the indications, mechanism of action, contraindications, potential benefits, adverse effects, dosing, pharmacogenetics, monitoring, and interactions of carisoprodol. Understanding the pharmacology enables tailored treatment plans to optimize dosage regimens while minimizing adverse reactions. An interprofessional team approach with open communication is crucial for effective carisoprodol therapy and patient safety.

Objectives:

• Identify the mechanism of action of carisoprodol and the primary metabolite, meprobamate.

• Evaluate the common adverse events associated with carisoprodol therapy, including signs of patient deterioration.

• Assess the toxicity of carisoprodol and appropriate management steps when navigating overdoses.

• Implement collaboration among interprofessional team members to improve treatment efficacy for patients who benefit from carisoprodol therapy.

Indications

Carisoprodol is a centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant.

FDA-Approved Indications

Carisoprodol is FDA-approved for alleviating the discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The medication is approved for up to 3 weeks of use only. Carisoprodol is not recommended for use in patients aged under 16 since this medication has not been evaluated in the pediatric population. In the United States, carisoprodol is a schedule IV controlled substance.[1] First approved for medical use in the United States (US) in 1959, carisoprodol is available as a generic medication. According to the package insert, carisoprodol is intended to be used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles following strains, sprains, and muscle injuries.

Off-Label Uses

Carisoprodol, due to sedative and relaxant effects, has been subject to abuse, and off-label usage is discouraged.[2][3][4]

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of carisoprodol as linked with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions is unknown. The medication is a centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant that indirectly relaxes the muscles. The muscle relaxation effects induced by carisoprodol in preclinical studies are linked to changes in interneuronal activity in the descending reticular formation of the brain and spinal cord. The primary metabolite, meprobamate, is believed to work at the GABA receptors similar to benzodiazepines and is considered to be responsible for the therapeutic effects as well as the abuse potential.[5][6] Meprobamate is a benzodiazepine-type anxiolytic that also has sedative properties.[7]

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Carisoprodol has a quick onset of action after oral ingestion. The maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) is around 1.5 to 1.7 hours for the 250 and 350 mg strengths, respectively. The time to maximum plasma concentration for the meprobamate metabolite is approximately 3.6 to 4.5 hours. Carisoprodol is a racemic mixture, only slightly soluble in water but freely soluble in alcohol. The solubility of carisoprodol is practically independent of pH. Furthermore, as per the package insert, taking this medication with fatty food does not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics.[8]

Metabolism: Carisoprodol is metabolized in the liver primarily by the cytochrome P450 oxidase isozyme CYP2C19 and excreted by the kidneys. Carisoprodol's primary metabolite is meprobamate, a known drug of abuse and dependence. Meprobamate was classified as a schedule IV controlled substance in 1970 and is in the tranquilizer medication class. Given the significantly prolonged half-life of meprobamate compared to carisoprodol, a risk of meprobamate bio-accumulation follows extended periods of carisoprodol administration. Also, patients with reduced CYP2C19 activity are poor metabolizers of carisoprodol, increasing exposure to carisoprodol and reduced exposure to meprobamate.[9][10][11][12][13]

Distribution: The volume of distribution of carisoprodol is 0.93 to 1.3 L/kg. Carisoprodol, recognized for higher lipophilicity compared to meprobamate, has been observed to penetrate the central nervous system (CNS).[14]

Excretion: Carisoprodol is excreted through renal (major) and non-renal pathways, with an elimination half-life of about 2 hours. The half-life of the metabolite, meprobamate, is approximately 10 hours.

Administration

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths

Carisoprodol is available in 250 and 350 mg tablet oral dosages up to 3 times a day and once before bed. This medication is also available in various co-formulated forms: carisoprodol combined with acetaminophen and caffeine, carisoprodol combined with γ-aminobutyric acid, and carisoprodol with acetylsalicylic acid and codeine.

Adult Dosage

The suggested dosage of carisoprodol tablets ranges from 250 to 350 mg, administered 3 times daily and before bedtime. Carisoprodol tablets should be limited to a maximum duration of 2 to 3 weeks. Although carisoprodol prescription is decreasing, the medication is commonly prescribed in the United States, with over 3.4 million prescriptions in 2017. A study was conducted to investigate the impact of the federal classification of carisoprodol as a schedule IV controlled substance on the dispensing patterns within a commercially insured population in the United States. The research aimed to assess whether this regulatory action led to a reduction in the utilization of carisoprodol, regardless of previous scheduling at the state level. The findings revealed a moderate decrease in carisoprodol dispensing following the federal classification, indicating a potentially positive effect in impeding its utilization. Particularly noteworthy was the observed decline among younger patients and those with musculoskeletal injuries, suggesting a targeted impact on populations more prone to the prescription. These results highlight the importance of regulatory measures in mitigating prescription drug abuse and promoting safer prescribing practices for managing musculoskeletal pain.[1]

Specific Patient Populations

Hepatic impairment: The safety and efficacy of carisoprodol in hepatic impairment have not been investigated. Caution is advised when administering carisoprodol to patients with impaired liver function since metabolism mainly occurs in the liver. 

Renal impairment: The safety and effectiveness of carisoprodol have not been examined in patients with renal impairment. Caution is advised when administering carisoprodol in renal impairment. Of note, carisoprodol is dialyzable by hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.[15]

Pregnancy considerations: Carisoprodol is pregnancy category C. However, animal studies indicate that carisoprodol adversely affects fetal growth and postnatal survival. Based on the limited post-marketing data, the primary metabolite meprobamate did not demonstrate any increased risk for particular congenital malformations. An overdose of carisoprodol during pregnancy has been noted in the literature.[5][16]

Breastfeeding considerations: Given the absence of consistent reports regarding adverse events in breastfed infants throughout decades of usage, weighing the developmental and health advantages of breastfeeding alongside the mother's clinical requirement for carisoprodol is advisable. Additionally, any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant resulting from carisoprodol or the underlying maternal condition should also be taken into consideration. Minimal sedation has been observed in a breastfed newborn who was exposed to the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding; however, sedation could potentially be significant in newborns experiencing exposure for the first time during nursing. Considering alternative medications may be preferable, particularly when breastfeeding a newborn or preterm infant or when other sedative medications are concurrently used.[17]

Pediatric patients: The effectiveness and safety of carisoprodol have not been documented in pediatric patients aged under 16.

Older patients: The effectiveness, safety, and pharmacokinetics of carisoprodol have not been established in patients aged 65 and older.

Pharmacogenetic considerations: Studies indicate that individuals classified as poor CYP2C19 metabolizers may experience a fourfold increase in carisoprodol exposure and a 50% reduction in meprobamate exposure compared to those with normal CYP2C19 metabolism. Poor metabolizers are more prevalent among Caucasians and African Americans (around 3% to 5%) compared to Asians (15% to 20%). Therefore, careful consideration is needed when prescribing carisoprodol to patients from these populations.[6]

Adverse Effects

The most common adverse drug reactions of carisoprodol include drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. According to the product labeling, up to 17% of patients experienced sedation after receiving carisoprodol compared to 6% of patients who were administered a placebo. This adverse drug reaction can impair the mental and physical capabilities required to perform potentially hazardous work, such as driving or working with heavy machinery. Post-marketing reports have indicated motor vehicle accidents linked to carisoprodol usage. The potential for misuse, abuse, physical dependence, and withdrawal is apparent if carisoprodol is used indiscriminately. 

In March 2007, Norwegian medical regulatory authorities reviewed carisoprodol, leading the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). They concluded that the benefits of carisoprodol no longer outweigh their associated risks. Consequently, all marketing authorizations for carisoprodol were suspended throughout Europe.[18]

Another potentially significant reported adverse effect is seizures.[14] In Indonesia, in September 2017, close to 100 people suffered seizures with at least 1 fatality when PCC, standing for "paracetamol-caffeine-carisoprodol," was mixed into student's drinks.

Drug-Drug Interactions

CYP2C19 inhibitors: Co-administration of CYP2C19 inhibitors could result in increased levels of carisoprodol and decreased levels of the meprobamate metabolite. Common CYP2C19 inhibitors include omeprazole, ticlopidine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, topiramate, sertraline, and tricyclic antidepressants. Conversely, co-administration of CYP2C19-inducers could result in decreased levels of carisoprodol and increased levels of meprobamate. Common CYP2C19-inducers include rifampin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, aspirin, and St. John Wort.[6]

CNS depressants: Due to the sedative effects of CNS depressants, patients need to be cautious about taking additional CNS depressants such as opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines at the same time. They should also take necessary precautions to avoid driving or engaging in potentially hazardous activities if they are experiencing sedation.[3]

Contraindications

Important contraindications listed in the package insert are acute intermittent porphyria as well as hypersensitivity reactions to a carbamate such as meprobamate. Patients with a sulfa allergy can develop a reaction after the carisoprodol is converted into meprobamate.[19]

Warnings and Precautions

Beers criteria: As per the Beers criteria, carisoprodol is considered a potentially inappropriate medication for individuals aged 65 and older due to the anticholinergic adverse effects and associated heightened risk of fractures.[20]

Potential for abuse and physical dependence: Dependence, withdrawal, and carisoprodol misuse have been reported with prolonged use, especially in patients with a history of addiction or when used in combination with other drugs with misuse potential. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms have been reported after abrupt discontinuation from prolonged use. Therefore, per the package insert and labeling, carisoprodol is not recommended for more than 2 to 3 weeks to relieve acute musculoskeletal discomfort. The belief is that carisoprodol elicits barbiturate-like effects, whereas animal studies described that this medication can produce rewarding effects, like other drugs of abuse. In addition to the potential for sedation, a normal prescribed dosage of carisoprodol may result in short-lived mild to moderate euphoria or dysphoria due to carisoprodol's potent anxiolytic effects. Carisoprodol, more so than meprobamate, may be responsible for the euphoria. Tolerance to the adverse effects of carisoprodol can develop and lessen over time. The active metabolite meprobamate itself was a frequently misused drug in the 1950s and 1960s, and overdoses have been reported.[10] 

With prolonged usage, carisoprodol and meprobamate can produce physical dependence of the barbiturate type and withdrawal symptoms similar to those of alcohol withdrawal. Like benzodiazepines, potential psychological dependence can result in withdrawal symptoms that persist for significantly longer periods, lasting months or years. These symptoms may include anxiety and depression, long-term memory loss, chronic insomnia, social withdrawal, agitation and aggression, and other potential symptoms.[8][13] The severity of the symptoms appears to be magnified in patients with a history of substance misuse and patients concomitantly on other drugs with sedatives or benzodiazepine or opioid-like effects. The combination of benzodiazepine, opioid, and carisoprodol is referred to as the "Holy Trinity" or the "Houston cocktail" reported to increase the power of the "high."[3] 

Because of the significant abuse potential due to the sedating, relaxant, and anxiolytic effects, in December 2011, the drug enforcement agency classified carisoprodol as a schedule IV medication according to the Controlled Substance Act.[4] This drug also goes by other names such as Ds, Dance, and Las Vegas Cocktail, which refers to the mixture of Soma and Vicodin. Additionally, the drug is known as Soma Coma when Soma is combined with codeine and further labeled as PCC, which stands for paracetamol-caffeine-carisoprodol. [WHO. Pre-View Report on Carisoprodol]

Seizures: Seizures have been reported in patients exposed to toxic doses of carisoprodol.[5] These instances are particularly prevalent in cases involving multiple drug overdoses with substances like drugs of abuse, illicit drugs, and alcohol.

Monitoring

No specific monitoring is necessary per the package insert. However, considering that this medication is metabolized in the liver and excluded through the kidney, the levels of carisoprodol and meprobamate can potentially increase if the patient has decreased liver function or renal insufficiency. Therefore, dose or frequency adjustments may be indicated. Also, given the significant abuse potential of this medication as a controlled medication, performing appropriate monitoring, such as periodic urine drug tests and pill counts, should be considered.[21] Carisoprodol is designated as a schedule IV substance.[1] Clinicians can utilize Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) to monitor potential misuse.[22][23]

Toxicity

Signs and Symptoms of Overdose

In cases of carisoprodol tablet overdosage, symptoms can range from ataxia and headaches to more severe presentations such as respiratory depression, hallucinations, and death.[3] Serotonin syndrome may also occur, presenting with symptoms like confusion, agitation, fever, and tachycardia.[24] Due to limited redistribution, maximum concentrations of carisoprodol may appear in cardiac tissue. Several case reports indicate that in overdose situations, cardiotoxicity may occur.[12]

Management of Overdose

No specific antidote is available for carisoprodol. Since carisoprodol acts at the barbiturate site, a carisoprodol overdose itself is not directly reversible with flumazenil, a GABA-A receptor antagonist. However, the primary metabolite meprobamate, similar to benzodiazepines, does work on the GABA-A receptor.[5] Later in the course of an overdose, when a significant amount of meprobamate is circulating, flumazenil can help reverse the effects of an overdose. Supportive care, including possibly charcoal, gastric lavage, and dialysis, should be considered in overdose. Significant hypotension can also occur with carisoprodol overdose and is usually treated with supportive care and possibly dialysis.[15][25][26]

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Understanding muscle relaxants in conjunction with the proper management of myofascial pain and muscle spasms can favorably impact a patient's mobility, quality of life, safety, and outcome after an acute painful muscular injury or strain. Carisoprodol is indicated for relieving discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. This medication is recommended with rest, physical therapy, and additional measures to promote muscle relaxation following strains, sprains, and muscle injuries. Team members should be mindful that this medication is a schedule IV controlled substance with abuse potential and, therefore, to assess a patient's risk factors for substance abuse. Risk factors for substance abuse include a personal history of substance abuse, a first-degree relative with substance abuse problems, and environmental factors. 

In summary, healthcare professionals should consider a patient's risk factors, including a history of substance abuse and a history of medication noncompliance, to make informed decisions about the potential role of carisoprodol in the management of pain and muscle spasms. In an overdose, emergency medicine clinicians should rapidly stabilize the patient. Critical care and toxicologist consultation may be required in severe overdose. A psychiatrist referral becomes necessary if a suspected substance misuse disorder occurs.

Carisoprodol has been a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant for many years. To help improve patient outcomes when considering utilizing carisoprodol in a patient's care, interprofessional healthcare team members should be aware of the indications, potential interactions, potential adverse effects, pharmacogenetics, and pharmacokinetic factors that can affect the successful implementation and use of this medication. An interprofessional team approach and open communication between physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and pharmacists are necessary to optimize patient outcomes and reduce abuse potential with carisoprodol therapy.[1][27]