Carisoprodol Soma

INDICATIONS

Carisoprodol is indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The usual adult dosage of `SOMA' (carisoprodol) Tablets, USP is one 350 mg tablet, three times daily and at bedtime. Usage in patients under age 12 is not recommended.
HOW SUPPLIED

`SOMA' (carisoprodol) Tablets, USP 350 mg: Round, convex, white tablets, inscribed with SOMA 350, are available in bottles of 100 (NDC 0037-2001-01).

Storage: Store at controlled room temperature 20 to 25° C (68 to 77° F).

Dispense in a tight container.


NEWS
Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals will market carisoprodol 350 mg tablets in bottles of 100, 500 and 1,000. Core Pharma was granted FDA approval for carisorodol. Under a strategic alliance formed between Ranbaxy and Core, the product will be marketed under the Ranbaxy label and promoted through the Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals sales force.

Carisoprodol as a drug of abuse

G. S. Rust, R. Hatch and J. G. Gums
Department of Family Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.

Carisoprodol (available as Soma and in other commercial forms) is a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant. A small group of patients was recently discovered colluding to obtain the drug under false pretenses for the purposes of substance abuse. Animal and human studies have previously shown limited potential for tolerance or abuse, while the evidence for therapeutic efficacy is inadequate. There are two previous case reports of human carisoprodol abuse or dependence, one in which a patient showed signs of a true withdrawal syndrome. A third case involved a fatality linked to carisoprodol abuse. Data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse reveal that overdose and abuse of carisoprodol may be more common than previously suspected. Carisoprodol use should be limited to short-term treatment of acute musculoskeletal conditions involving significant muscle spasm. Suspicions of abuse should be raised by patients requesting the drug by name, "losing" prescriptions, using carisoprodol chronically, or denying the efficacy of less mind-altering alternatives.