FLEXERIL DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

CYCLOBENZAPRINE - ORAL (sye-klo-BENZ-uh-preen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Flexeril

USES: This medication relaxes muscles and relieves pain and discomfort associated with strains, sprains, spasms or other muscle injuries.

HOW TO USE: May be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Take this medication as directed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause stomach upset, heartburn, constipation, headache, dizziness or drowsiness or dry mouth the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: muscle stiffness, skin rash, itching, rapid heart rate, swelling of the face, difficulty urinating. When rising quickly from a sitting or lying position, dizziness or lightheadedness may occur. Change positions slowly and use caution on stairs. Avoid activities requiring alertness if dizziness or drowsiness occurs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have: glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, difficulty urinating, any allergies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before taking this drug.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medications you take, especially of: cimetidine, antidepressants, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, narcotic pain medication (e.g., codeine), anti-allergy drugs, drugs used for asthma, cough-and-cold medicines. Alcohol adds to the dizziness and drowsiness caused by cyclobenzaprine. Limit alcohol intake. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, fast or irregular heartbeat, enlarged pupils, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

NOTES: Do not use for longer than 3 weeks unless specifically instructed to do so. This medication provides temporary relief and must be used in addition to rest, physical therapy and other measures. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

CYCLOBENZAPRINE DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

CYCLOBENZAPRINE - ORAL (sye-klo-BENZ-uh-preen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Flexeril

USES: This medication relaxes muscles and relieves pain and discomfort associated with strains, sprains, spasms or other muscle injuries.

HOW TO USE: May be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Take this medication as directed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause stomach upset, heartburn, constipation, headache, dizziness or drowsiness or dry mouth the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: muscle stiffness, skin rash, itching, rapid heart rate, swelling of the face, difficulty urinating. When rising quickly from a sitting or lying position, dizziness or lightheadedness may occur. Change positions slowly and use caution on stairs. Avoid activities requiring alertness if dizziness or drowsiness occurs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have: glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, difficulty urinating, any allergies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before taking this drug.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medications you take, especially of: cimetidine, antidepressants, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, narcotic pain medication (e.g., codeine), anti-allergy drugs, drugs used for asthma, cough-and-cold medicines. Alcohol adds to the dizziness and drowsiness caused by cyclobenzaprine. Limit alcohol intake. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, fast or irregular heartbeat, enlarged pupils, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

NOTES: Do not use for longer than 3 weeks unless specifically instructed to do so. This medication provides temporary relief and must be used in addition to rest, physical therapy and other measures. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Carisoprodol

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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. mass	260.33 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Protein binding	60%
Metabolism	Hepatic (CYP2C19-mediated)
Half life	8 hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	℞-only(US) Scheduled in some U.S. 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^{[citation needed]}, it continues to be widely prescribed (except 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.

Contents [hide] 1 History 2 Chemistry 3 Effects 4 Side effects 5 Pharmacokinetics 6 Notes 7 References 8 External links

History

Meprobamate and other muscle relaxing drugs often were subjects of misuse and abuse in the 1950s and 1960s.^[1][2] Overdose cases were reported as early as 1957 and have been reported on several occasions since then.^{[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]}

On June 1, 1959 several American pharmacologists convened at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan to discuss a new drug. The drug, originally thought to have antiseptic properties, was found to have central muscle relaxing properties.^[10] It had been developed by Dr. Frank M. Berger at Wallace laboratories and had been named carisoprodol (trade name Soma).

Carisoprodol was developed on the basis of meprobamate, in the hope that it would have better muscle relaxing properties, less potential for abuse, and less risk of overdose than meprobamate.^[11] The substitution of one hydrogen atom with an isopropyl group on one of the carbamyl nitrogens was intended to yield a molecule with new pharmacological properties.

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. A considerable proportion of carisoprodol is metabolized to meprobamate, which is a known drug of abuse and dependence; this could account for the abuse potential of carisoprodol.

Notes

1. ^ Kamin I, Shaskan D. (1959). "Death due to massive overdose of meprobamate". Am J Psychiatry 115 (12): 1123-1124. 
2. ^ Hollister LE (1983). "The pre-benzodiazepine era". J Psychoactive Drugs 15 (1-2): 9-13. 
3. ^ Gaillard Y, Billault F, Pepin G (1997). "Meprobamate overdosage: a continuing problem. Sensitive GC-MS quantitation after solid phase extraction in 19 fatal cases". Forensic Sci.Int 86 (3): 173-180. 
4. ^ Allen MD, Greenblatt DJ, Noel BJ (1977). "Meprobamate overdosage: a continuing problem". Clin Toxicol 11 (5): 501-515. 
5. ^ Kintz P, Tracqui A, Mangin P, Lugnier AA (1988). "Fatal meprobamate self-poisoning". Am J Forensic Med Pathol 9 (2): 139-140. 
6. ^ Eeckhout E, Huyghens L, Loef B, Maes V, Sennesael J (1988). "Meprobamate poisoning, hypotension and the Swan-Ganz catheter". Intensive Care Med 14 (4): 437-438. 
7. ^ Lhoste F, Lemaire F, Rapin M (1977). "Treatment of hypotension in meprobamate poisoning". N Engl J Med 296 (17): 1004. 
8. ^ Bedson H (1959). "Coma due to meprobamate intoxication. Report of a case confirmed by chemical analysis". Lancet 273 (1): 288-290. 
9. ^ Blumberg A, Rosett H, Dobrow A (1959). "Severe hypotension reactions following meprobamate overdosage". Ann Intern Med 51: 607-612. 
10. ^ Miller JG, ed. The pharmacology and clinical usefulness of carisoprodol. Detroit:Wayne State University; 1959.
11. ^ Berger F, Kletzkin M, Ludwig B, Margolin S. The history, chemistry, and pharmacology of carisoprodol. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1959;86:90-107

References

• APhA Drug Information Handbook

External links

• Drug information
• Carisoprodol (Soma) Facts

ZANAFLEX DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TIZANIDINE - ORAL (tize-AN-ih-deen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zanaflex

USES: This medication is used to treat muscle spasms.

HOW TO USE: Take as directed. Your dosage will probably need to be adjusted by your doctor initially to achieve satisfactory results. Follow directions exactly.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, unusual weakness or dry mouth might occur. If these continue or are bothersome, notify your doctor. To minimize dizziness, stand up slowly when arising from a sitting or lying position. Notify your doctor if you develop: yellowing skin or eyes, stomach pain, vomiting, hallucinations. Very unlikely but report: vision or hearing changes, urinary frequency or burning, slow or irregular heartbeat, black stool. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have: any allergies, low blood pressure, liver or heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease. Limit the use of alcohol as alcohol may intensify the dizziness and drowsiness effects of this drug. Use caution when driving or operating machinery or when alertness is required. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into human milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may take, especially of: blood pressure drugs (e.g., water pills, clonidine, methyldopa, guanabenz, guanfacine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., linezolid, furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline), sleep medicines, sedatives (e.g., diazepam), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), other muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine), certain antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline, trazodone), phenothiazine psychiatric drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine), birth control pills. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include trouble breathing or unconsciousness.

NOTES: Your doctor may monitor liver tests during treatment. Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

SOMA DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

CARISOPRODOL - ORAL (kar-iss-oh-PRO-dole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Soma

USES: This medication relaxes muscles and relieves pain and discomfort associated with strains, sprains, spasms or other muscle injuries. Muscle relaxers are for specific muscle injury and pain and should not be used for general body aches and pains.

HOW TO USE: This medication may be taken with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. Take this as directed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. This medication provides temporary relief and must be used in addition to rest, physical therapy and other measures. Because this medication makes an injury temporarily feel better, do not attempt to lift or exercise too soon. Follow your doctor's instructions for recovery.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, heartburn, headache, dizziness or drowsiness. If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Inform your doctor promptly if you develop: persistent stomach pain, rapid heart rate. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, porphyria, asthma, any allergies. When rising quickly from a sitting or lying position, dizziness or lightheadedness may occur. Change positions slowly. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness (such as driving) if this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy. Limit alcohol intake while taking this medication. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Carisoprodol is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may take including: sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers, medication for depression and certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Many cough-and-cold products contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness. Check labels carefully and consult your pharmacist if you have any questions. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual dizziness or drowsiness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, fast heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Carisoprodol

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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. mass	260.33 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Protein binding	60%
Metabolism	Hepatic (CYP2C19-mediated)
Half life	8 hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	℞-only(US) Scheduled in some U.S. 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^{[citation needed]}, it continues to be widely prescribed (except 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.

Contents [hide] 1 History 2 Chemistry 3 Effects 4 Side effects 5 Pharmacokinetics 6 Notes 7 References 8 External links

History

Meprobamate and other muscle relaxing drugs often were subjects of misuse and abuse in the 1950s and 1960s.^[1][2] Overdose cases were reported as early as 1957 and have been reported on several occasions since then.^{[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]}

On June 1, 1959 several American pharmacologists convened at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan to discuss a new drug. The drug, originally thought to have antiseptic properties, was found to have central muscle relaxing properties.^[10] It had been developed by Dr. Frank M. Berger at Wallace laboratories and had been named carisoprodol (trade name Soma).

Carisoprodol was developed on the basis of meprobamate, in the hope that it would have better muscle relaxing properties, less potential for abuse, and less risk of overdose than meprobamate.^[11] The substitution of one hydrogen atom with an isopropyl group on one of the carbamyl nitrogens was intended to yield a molecule with new pharmacological properties.

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. A considerable proportion of carisoprodol is metabolized to meprobamate, which is a known drug of abuse and dependence; this could account for the abuse potential of carisoprodol.

Notes

1. ^ Kamin I, Shaskan D. (1959). "Death due to massive overdose of meprobamate". Am J Psychiatry 115 (12): 1123-1124. 
2. ^ Hollister LE (1983). "The pre-benzodiazepine era". J Psychoactive Drugs 15 (1-2): 9-13. 
3. ^ Gaillard Y, Billault F, Pepin G (1997). "Meprobamate overdosage: a continuing problem. Sensitive GC-MS quantitation after solid phase extraction in 19 fatal cases". Forensic Sci.Int 86 (3): 173-180. 
4. ^ Allen MD, Greenblatt DJ, Noel BJ (1977). "Meprobamate overdosage: a continuing problem". Clin Toxicol 11 (5): 501-515. 
5. ^ Kintz P, Tracqui A, Mangin P, Lugnier AA (1988). "Fatal meprobamate self-poisoning". Am J Forensic Med Pathol 9 (2): 139-140. 
6. ^ Eeckhout E, Huyghens L, Loef B, Maes V, Sennesael J (1988). "Meprobamate poisoning, hypotension and the Swan-Ganz catheter". Intensive Care Med 14 (4): 437-438. 
7. ^ Lhoste F, Lemaire F, Rapin M (1977). "Treatment of hypotension in meprobamate poisoning". N Engl J Med 296 (17): 1004. 
8. ^ Bedson H (1959). "Coma due to meprobamate intoxication. Report of a case confirmed by chemical analysis". Lancet 273 (1): 288-290. 
9. ^ Blumberg A, Rosett H, Dobrow A (1959). "Severe hypotension reactions following meprobamate overdosage". Ann Intern Med 51: 607-612. 
10. ^ Miller JG, ed. The pharmacology and clinical usefulness of carisoprodol. Detroit:Wayne State University; 1959.
11. ^ Berger F, Kletzkin M, Ludwig B, Margolin S. The history, chemistry, and pharmacology of carisoprodol. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1959;86:90-107

References

• APhA Drug Information Handbook

External links

• Drug information
• Carisoprodol (Soma) Facts

SKELAXIN DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

SKELETAL MUSCLE RELAXANTS - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Parafon Forte DSC, Robaxin, Skelaxin

USES: This medication relaxes muscles and relieves pain and discomfort associated with strains, sprains, spasms or other muscle injuries.

HOW TO USE: May be taken with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause stomach upset, heartburn, constipation, headache, dizziness or drowsiness the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: persistent stomach pain, skin rash, itching, rapid heart rate, yellowing of eyes or skin. May discolor urine. This will disappear when the medication is stopped. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: seizures, kidney or liver disease, any drug allergies. Alcoholic beverages may increase the dizziness/drowsiness effects of this drug. Limit alcohol intake. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery. When arising quickly from a sitting or lying position, this drug may cause dizziness/lightheadedness. Change positions slowly. This medication should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you take including any medication such as: sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotics (pain medication), sleeping pills, medication for seizures, depression, allergies, hay fever, colds. Do not start taking any of the drugs mentioned above without consulting your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness or unconsciousness.

NOTES: This medication provides temporary relief and must be used in addition to rest, physical therapy and other measures as directed by your doctor. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered within 1 hour. Otherwise skip that dose and resume usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.