Exploring the Efficacy and risks of Carisprodol: Unraveling the Intricacies of a Common Muscle Relaxant

  

 Carisoprodol

Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant, used to alleviate discomfort from exoskeletal conditions. USFDA approved it in 1959 and sold it under the brand name Soma. Carisoprodol directly acts on the central nervous system. It is a white crystalline powder, freely soluble in ethanol, chloroform, and acetone, and very slightly soluble in water. The molecular weight of carisoprodol is 260.3 gm/mol. 

Structure:

The molecular formula of carisoprodol is,[C­­­­­12H24N2O4].

Carisoprodol Structure

The IUPAC name of Carisoprodol is, 2-[(carbamoylmethyl)-2-methylpentyl]-N-propan-2-yl carbamate.

Synthesis:

Carisoprodol Synthesis

Mechanism of action:

Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxer that blocks pain sensation between the nerves and the brain. It does not directly affect skeletal muscle, it directly acts on the central nervous system. It blocks neural communication within the rectal formation and spinal cord. The exact mechanism of carisoprodol is not clear. It acts like benzodiazepines by inducing GABA receptor activity. This is responsible for muscle relaxation. 

Uses:

It is used in the treatment of muscle strain and muscle pain for short time period. It is basically used after physical therapy to reduce muscle pain.

Side-effects:

Basically, this medication has no side effects, but sometimes it shows dizziness, headache, rash, itching etc.