Carisoprodol - Oral

Carisoprodol is used to relieve discomfort associated with painful muscle and bone conditions.

Take Carisoprodol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and response to the medication.

Do not stop taking Carisoprodol suddenly as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Carisoprodol if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as meprobamate.

Alert your doctor if you have a history of acute intermittent porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nervous system abnormalities) as Carisoprodol may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of drug abuse or dependence
• history of alcoholism
• kidney disease
• liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some genetic traits can affect this medicine's efficacy. Individuals who are poor metabolisers of CYP2C19 may experience enhanced side effects of Carisoprodol (e.g. drowsiness). Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Monitoring of signs of mental status and drug misuse, abuse, or dependence may also be needed.

Carisoprodol may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, rapid heartbeat, and fainting or passing out.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• difficulty sleeping, anxiety, irritability, tremors, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, hallucination (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent)

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline, clomipramine, fluvoxamine
• medicines for sleep disorder or anxiety e.g. diazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam
• strong painkillers e.g. morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone
• aspirin (blood-thinning medicine)
• omeprazole (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [infection known as tuberculosis])
• St. John's wort (herbal medicine)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Carisoprodol.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.