Carisoprodol |
CARISOPRODOL DRUG INFO
Why is this medication prescribed?
Carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, is used with
rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and
relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other
muscle injuries.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for
other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used? Carisoprodol
comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times
daily and at bedtime. It may be taken with or without food. Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take carisoprodol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less
of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking carisoprodol,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to carisoprodol,
meprobamate (Equanil, Meprospan, Miltown, Neuramate), or any other
drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially medications for allergies,
coughs, or colds; muscle relaxants; sedatives; sleeping pills;
tranquilizers; and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver
disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking carisoprodol,
call your doctor.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive
a car or operate machinery until you know how carisoprodol affects
you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this
drug.
What special dietary instructions
should I follow? Carisoprodol may cause
an upset stomach. Take carisoprodol with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication
cause? Although side effects from carisoprodol
are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- clumsiness
- headache
- fast heart rate
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- skin rash
If you experience any of the following symptoms,
call your doctor immediately:
- difficulty breathing
- fever
- weakness
- burning in the eyes
What storage conditions are needed
for this medicine? Keep this medication
in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of
children. Store it at room temperature and away from moisture and
heat (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal
of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose In
case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know? Keep all appointments with your
doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription.
|
