Carisoprodol Information

Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant that blocks pain sensations or nerve impulses sent to your brain. The drug is used in combination with physical therapy and rest to treat painful muscular conditions and injuries.

You should not take carisoprodol if you have kidney or liver disease or acute intermittent porphyria. You may require special monitoring during your treatment or a lower dose. If you’re pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before taking carisoprodol because it may harm an unborn child. Children under 12 should not take carisoprodol.

You should take carisoprodol according to the exact directions explained by your doctor. Never take more than 1,400 mg or 4 tablets daily, and take each dose with one full glass of water. You should store the medication at room temperature away from heat and moisture. If you miss a dose, take one when you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose and take your next regularly scheduled dose. Never take a double dose of carisoprodol, and take them at least 4 hours apart.

If you believe you may have taken too much carisoprodol, seek medical attention immediately. Possible symptoms of a carisoprodol overdose include unconsciousness, fainting, confusion, weakness, low blood pressure or decreased breathing. Because carisoprodol may cause drowsiness or dizziness, you should use caution when operating machinery, driving or performing any hazardous activity. You should also limit your alcohol intake as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness when you are taking carisoprodol.

If you experience serious side effects such as extreme weakness, vision loss, paralysis, tremors or agitation or signs of an allergic reaction such as a swelling of your face, tongue or lips, difficulty breathing or hives, stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention. If you experience less serious side effects including depression, blurred vision, hiccups, insomnia, headaches, dizziness or drowsiness, you should consult with your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or bothersome side effects that are not listed.

Carisoprodol may interact with any of the following drugs:

• Medications used to treat AIDS or HIV infections
• Omeprazole
• Muscle relaxants
• Voriconazole
• Rifabutin, rifapentine or rifampin
• Cimetidine
• Medications used to treat allergies, colds or hay fever
• Alcohol
• Pain medications
• Isoniazid (INH)
• Medications used to treat epilepsy, convulsions or seizures
• Modafinil
• Sleep medications
• Medications used to treat emotional disturbances, depression or anxiety
• Barbiturate medications such as Phenobarbital used to treat convulsions and seizures or for inducing sleep

What is the shelf life of the pills?

The expiry date is listed on each blister. The date will vary depending on the particular batch. The shelf life is 2 years from the manufacturing date and varies depending on when the pills were manufactured.