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.
|
