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Drug Name carisoprodol (isomeprobama te) (kar eye soe proe' dol) Soma Pregnancy Category NR Drug class Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant Oral

Dosages

Adjunct in the short-term symptomatic treatment of painful muscle spasm associated with musculoskeletal conditions Adult: 350 mg 3-4 times daily for up to 2-3 wk. Elderly: Half of the usual dose.

Therapeutic Actions Carisoprodol blocks interneuronal synaptic activity in the descending reticular formation and spinal cord resulting in skeletal muscle relaxation. Duration: 4-6 hrs. Absorption: Absorbed from the GIT (oral); peak plasma concentrations after 30 min. Distribution: Enters breast milk (significant amounts). Metabolism: Hepatic; yields meprobamate. Excretion: Via urine (as metabolites).

Indications Relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures

Adverse effects Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, epigastric distress, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, Hypersensitivit y reactions, rash. Potentially Fatal: Idiosyncratic reaction (rare).

Contraindicati ons Acute intermittent porphyria, hypersensitivi ty. Lactation.

Nursing considerations Assessment History: Allergic or idiosyncratic reactions to carisoprodol, meprobamate; acute intermittent porphyria, suspected porphyria; lactation Physical: T; skin color, lesions; orientation, affect; P, BP, orthostatic BP; bowel sounds, liver evaluation; LFTs, renal function tests, CBC Interventions WARNING: Monitor patient for potentially serious idiosyncratic reactionsmost likely with first few doses. Reduce dose with hepatic impairment. Provide safety measures if CNS effects occur. Drug may be habit forming. Monitor patient. Teaching points Take this drug exactly as prescribed; do not take a higher dosage; take with food if GI upset occurs. Avoid alcohol, sleep-inducing, or over-the-counter drugs; these could cause dangerous effects; if you feel you need one of these preparations, consult your health care provider. You may experience these

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Nursing Notes and Community

side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo (avoid driving or activities that require alertness); dizziness when you get up or climb stairs (avoid sudden changes in position, use caution climbing stairs); nausea (take drug with food; eat frequent small meals); insomnia, headache, depression (transient effects). Report rash, severe nausea, dizziness, insomnia, fever, difficulty breathing.

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