Article: Carisoprodol

Carisoprodol
Systematic (IUPAC) name
[2-methyl-2-(1-methylethylcarbamoyloxymethyl) pentyl]aminomethanoate
Identifiers
CAS number	78-44-4
ATC code	M03BA02
PubChem	2576
DrugBank	APRD00417
Chemical data
Formula	C12H24N2O4
Mol. weight	260.33 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Protein binding	60%
Metabolism	?
Half life	8 hours
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	Rx Only; Scheduled in some states.
Routes	Oral

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

• Occasional mild Euphoria

Side Effects

These are somewhat rare when used at normal doses.

• Somnolence

• Ataxia

• Anterograde amnesia

Pharmacokinetics

Carisoprodol has a rapid onset of action, with the aforementioned effects lasting for approximately 2-4 hours.