The Sound of Evolution
Carisoprodol
Mechanism of action:
Carisoprodol is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant. Its exact mechanism has not been fully clarified, but it may act on the spinal cord and reticular formation to inhibit polysynaptic reflex transmission and reduce muscle tone and involuntary muscle contraction. In the liver, carisoprodol is metabolized by CYP2C19 into meprobamate, which can act as a GABA_A receptor agonist and has anxiolytic and sedative-related properties.
Reference(s):
1. Toth PP et al. (2004). Commonly used muscle relaxant therapies for acute low back pain: a review of carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, and metaxalone. Clin Ther.
2. Chou R et al. (2004). Comparative efficacy and safety of skeletal muscle relaxants for spasticity and musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review. J Pain Symptom Manage.
3. Littrell RA et al. (1993). Carisoprodol (Soma): a new and cautious perspective on an old agent. South Med J.