Carisoprodol Disease Interactions

The use of carisoprodol is contraindicated in patients with acute intermittent porphyria. Carisoprodol is partially metabolized to the pharmacologically active meprobamate, which has been reported to precipitate acute attacks of porphyria in susceptible patients.

Carisoprodol is partially metabolized to meprobamate, a pharmacologically active agent with known addictive potential. According to the manufacturer, abrupt cessation of carisoprodol 100 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the recommended daily adult dosage) was associated with mild withdrawal symptoms such as abdominal cramps, insomnia, headache, nausea and chills in some study subjects. In clinical use, psychological dependence and abuse have been rare. Nevertheless, therapy with carisoprodol should be administered cautiously in addiction-prone individuals, such as those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Carisoprodol is primarily converted in the liver to several metabolites, one of which (meprobamate) is pharmacologically active. The metabolites and a small amount of the parent drug are excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with carisoprodol should be administered cautiously in such patients.