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Soma
Carisoprodol · Tablet
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Centrally-mediated Muscle Relaxation [PE] | PE | All 22 members |
| Muscle Relaxant [EPC] | EPC | All 22 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 011792-001 | SOMA | TABLET | CARISOPRODOL | Prescription | AA | RLD | |
| 011792-003 | SOMA | CAPSULE | CARISOPRODOL | Discontinued | — | RLD | |
| 011792-004 | SOMA | TABLET | CARISOPRODOL | Prescription | AB | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — no known or suspected bioequivalence problems (conventional dosage forms)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 50 | Labeling | Approved | April 4, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 48 | Labeling | Approved | August 22, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 46 | Labeling | Approved | February 23, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 45 | Labeling | Approved | February 1, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 43 | Labeling | Approved | November 17, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 42 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 6, 2009 | N/A |
| Supplement | 41 | Efficacy | Approved | September 13, 2007 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 35 | Labeling | Approved | June 7, 2006 | Standard |
| Supplement | 36 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 29, 1999 | Standard |
| Supplement | 31 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 2, 1994 | Standard |
| Supplement | 32 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 25, 1993 | Standard |
| Supplement | 26 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 27, 1987 | Standard |
| Supplement | 30 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 10, 1987 | Standard |
| Supplement | 29 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | September 1, 1987 | Standard |
| Supplement | 28 | Labeling | Approved | October 27, 1986 | — |
| Supplement | 27 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 30, 1986 | Standard |
| Supplement | 25 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 19, 1983 | Standard |
| Supplement | 24 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 18, 1983 | Standard |
| Supplement | 23 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 18, 1983 | Standard |
| Supplement | 21 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 27, 1981 | Standard |
| Supplement | 18 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 5, 1979 | Standard |
| Supplement | 19 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 30, 1979 | Standard |
| Supplement | 20 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 13, 1979 | Standard |
| Supplement | 17 | Labeling | Approved | May 20, 1975 | — |
| Supplement | 14 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 13, 1974 | Standard |
| Supplement | 16 | Labeling | Approved | November 8, 1974 | — |
| Supplement | 15 | Labeling | Approved | July 19, 1974 | — |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | April 9, 1959 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · April 5, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · April 5, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · August 23, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · February 25, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · February 6, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · February 4, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · November 16, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · January 6, 2010
- 0 · Supplement · November 17, 2009
- 0 · Supplement · September 25, 2007
- 0 · Supplement · September 19, 2007
- 0 · Supplement · June 12, 2006
- 0 · Supplement · June 12, 2006
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250829). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SOMA is indicated for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults. Limitation of Use SOMA should only be used for short periods (up to two or three weeks) because adequate evidence of effectiveness for more prolonged use has not been established and because acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions are generally of short duration [ see Dosage and Administration (2) ]. SOMA is a muscle relaxant indicated for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults. (1) Limitations of Use • Should only be used for acute treatment periods up to two or three weeks (1)
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose of SOMA is 250 mg to 350 mg three times a day and at bedtime. The recommended maximum duration of SOMA use is up to two or three weeks. • Recommended dose is 250 mg to 350 mg three times a day and at bedtime. (2)
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 250 mg Tablets: round, convex, white tablets, inscribed with SOMA 250 350 mg Tablets: round, convex, white tablets, inscribed with SOMA 350 Tablets: 250 mg, 350 mg (3)
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS SOMA is contraindicated in patients with a history of acute intermittent porphyria or a hypersensitivity reaction to a carbamate such as meprobamate. • Acute intermittent porphyria (4) • Hypersensitivity reactions to a carbamate such as meprobamate (4)
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Due to sedative properties, may impair ability to perform hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery (5.1) • Additive sedative effects when used with other CNS depressants including alcohol (5.1) • Cases of abuse, dependence and withdrawal (5.2, 9.2, 9.3) • Seizures (5.3) 5.1 Sedation SOMA has sedative properties (in the low back pain trials, 13% to 17% of patients who received SOMA experienced sedation compared to 6% of patients who received placebo) [ see ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.1) ] and may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery. There have been post-marketing reports of motor vehicle accidents associated with the use of SOMA. Since the sedative effects of SOMA and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive, appropriate caution should be exercised with patients who take more than one of these CNS depressants simultaneously. 5.2 Abuse, Dependence, and Withdrawal Carisoprodol, the active ingredient in SOMA, has been subject to abuse, dependence, and withdrawal, misuse and criminal diversion [ see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.1, 9.2, 9.3) ] . Abuse of SOMA poses a risk of overdosage which may lead to death, CNS and respiratory depression, hypotension, seizures and other disorders [ see Overdosage (10) ] . Post-marketing experience cases of carisoprodol abuse and dependence have been reported in patients with prolonged use and a history of drug abuse. Although most of these patients took other drugs of abuse, some patients solely abused carisoprodol. Withdrawal symptoms have been reported following abrupt cessation of SOMA after prolonged use. Reported withdrawal symptoms included insomnia, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, tremors, muscle twitching, ataxia, hallucinations, and psychosis. One of carisoprodol’s metabolites, meprobamate (a controlled substance), may also cause dependence [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . To reduce the risk of SOMA abuse assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing. After prescribing, limit the length of treatment to three weeks for the relief of acute musculoskeletal discomfort, keep careful prescription records, monitor for signs of abuse and overdose, and educate patients and their families about abuse and on proper storage and disposal. 5.3 Seizures There have been post-marketing reports of seizures in patients who received SOMA. Most of these cases have occurred in the setting of multiple drug overdoses (including drugs of abuse, illegal drugs, and alcohol) [ see Overdosage (10) ].
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 2%) are drowsiness, dizziness, and headache ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Viatris at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in practice. The data described below are based on 1387 patients pooled from two double blind, randomized, multicenter, placebo controlled, one-week trials in adult patients with acute, mechanical, lower back pain [ see Clinical Studies (14) ]. In these studies, patients were treated with 250 mg of SOMA, 350 mg of SOMA, or placebo three times a day and at bedtime for seven days. The mean age was about 41 years old with 54% females and 46% males and 74 % Caucasian, 16 % Black, 9% Asian, and 2% other. There were no deaths and there were no serious adverse reactions in these two trials. In these two studies, 2.7%, 2%, and 5.4%, of patients treated with placebo, 250 mg of SOMA, and 350 mg of SOMA, respectively, discontinued due to adverse events; and 0.5%, 0.5%, and 1.8% of patients treated with placebo, 250 mg of SOMA, and 350 mg of SOMA, respectively, discontinued due to central nervous system adverse reactions. Table 1 displays adverse reactions reported with frequencies greater than 2% and more frequently than placebo in patients treated with SOMA in the two trials described above. Table 1. Patients with Adverse Reactions in Controlled Studies Adverse Reaction Placebo (n=560) n (%) SOMA 250 mg (n=548) n (%) SOMA 350 mg (n=279) n (%) Drowsiness 31 (6) 73 (13) 47 (17) Dizziness 11 (2) 43 (8) 19 (7) Headache 11 (2) 26 (5) 9 (3) 6.2 Post-marketing Experience The following events have been reported during postapproval use of SOMA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiovascular: Tachycardia, postural hypotension, and facial flushing [ see Overdosage (10) ]. Central Nervous System: Drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, tremor, agitation, irritability, headache, depressive reactions, syncope, insomnia, and seizures [ see Overdosage (10) ]. Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, and epigastric discomfort. Hematologic: Leukopenia, pancytopenia
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) - additive sedative effects ( 5.1, 7.1 ) 7.1 CNS Depressants The sedative effects of SOMA and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive. Therefore, caution should be exercised with patients who take more than one of these CNS depressants simultaneously. Concomitant use of SOMA and meprobamate, a metabolite of SOMA, is not recommended [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. 7.2 CYP2C19 Inhibitors and Inducers Carisoprodol is metabolized in the liver by CYP2C19 to form meprobamate [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Co-administration of CYP2C19 inhibitors, such as omeprazole or fluvoxamine, with SOMA could result in increased exposure of carisoprodol and decreased exposure of meprobamate. Co-administration of CYP2C19 inducers, such as rifampin or St. John’s Wort, with SOMA could result in decreased exposure of carisoprodol and increased exposure of meprobamate. Low dose aspirin also showed an induction effect on CYP2C19. The full pharmacological impact of these potential alterations of exposures in terms of either efficacy or safety of SOMA is unknown.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Data over many decades of carisoprodol use in pregnancy have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Data on meprobamate, the primary metabolite of carisoprodol, also do not show a consistent association between maternal use of meprobamate and an increased risk of major birth defects (see Data ). In a published animal reproduction study, pregnant mice administered carisoprodol orally at 2.6- and 4.1-times the maximum recommended human dose ([MRHD] of 1400 mg per day [350 mg QID] based on body surface area [BSA] comparison) from gestation through weaning resulted in reduced fetal weights, postnatal weight gain, and postnatal survival (see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Retrospective case-control and cohort studies of meprobamate use during the first trimester of pregnancy have not consistently identified an increased risk or pattern of major birth defects. For children exposed to meprobamate in-utero, one study found no adverse effect on mental or motor development or IQ scores. Animal Data Embryofetal development studies in animals have not been completed. In a published pre- and post-natal development animal study, pregnant mice administered carisoprodol orally at 300, 750, or 1200 mg/kg/day (approximately 1-, 2.6-, and 4.1-times the MRHD based on BSA comparison) from 7-days prior to gestation through birth and from lactation through weaning resulted in reduced fetal weights, postnatal weight gain, and postnatal survival at 2.6- and 4.1-times the MRHD. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Data from published literature report that carisoprodol and its metabolite, meprobamate, are present in breastmilk. There are no data on the effect of carisoprodol on milk production. There is one report of sedation in an infant who was breastfed by a mother taking carisoprodol (see Clinical Considerations ). Because there have been no consistent reports of adverse events in breastfed infants over decades of use, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for SOMA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from SOMA or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations Infants exposed to SOMA through breast milk should be monitored for sedation. 8.4 Pediatric Use The efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of SOMA in pediatric patients less than 16 years of age have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use The efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of SOMA in patients over 65 years old have not been established. 8.6 Renal Impairment The safety and pharmacokinetics of SOMA in patients with renal impairment have not been evaluated. Since SOMA is excreted by the kidney, caution should be exercised if SOMA is administered to patients with impaired renal function. Carisoprodol is dialyzable by hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. 8.7 Hepatic Impairment The safety and pharmacokinetics of SOMA in patients with hepatic impairment have not been evaluated. Since SOMA is metabolized in the liver, caution should be exercised if SOMA is administered to patients with impaired hepatic function. 8.8 Patients with Reduced CYP2C19 Activity Patients with reduced CYP2C19 activity have higher exposure to carisoprodol. Therefore, caution should be exercised in administration of SOMA to these patients [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of carisoprodol in relieving discomfort associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions has not been clearly identified. In animal studies, muscle relaxation induced by carisoprodol is associated with altered interneuronal activity in the spinal cord and in the descending reticular formation of the brain.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION SOMA (carisoprodol) Tablets are available as 250 mg and 350 mg round, white tablets. Carisoprodol is a white, crystalline powder, having a mild, characteristic odor and a bitter taste. It is slightly soluble in water; freely soluble in alcohol, in chloroform, and in acetone; and its solubility is practically independent of pH. Carisoprodol is present as a racemic mixture. Chemically, carisoprodol is (±)-2-Methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol carbamate isopropylcarbamate and the molecular formula is C 12 H 24 N 2 O 4 , with a molecular weight of 260.33. The structural formula is: Other ingredients in the SOMA drug product include alginic acid, magnesium stearate, potassium sorbate, starch, and tribasic calcium phosphate. Carisoprodol Structural Formula
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation Overdosage of SOMA commonly produces CNS depression. Death, coma, respiratory depression, hypotension, seizures, delirium, hallucinations, dystonic reactions, nystagmus, blurred vision, mydriasis, euphoria, muscular incoordination, rigidity, and/or headache have been reported with SOMA overdosage. Serotonin syndrome has been reported with carisoprodol intoxication. Many of the carisoprodol overdoses have occurred in the setting of multiple drug overdoses (including drugs of abuse, illegal drugs, and alcohol). The effects of an overdose of carisoprodol and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) can be additive even when one of the drugs has been taken in the recommended dosage. Fatal accidental and non-accidental overdoses of SOMA have been reported alone or in combination with CNS depressants. Treatment of Overdosage Basic life support measures should be instituted as dictated by the clinical presentation of the SOMA overdose. Vomiting should not be induced because of the risk of CNS and respiratory depression, and subsequent aspiration. Circulatory support should be administered with volume infusion and vasopressor agents if needed. Seizures should be treated with intravenous benzodiazepines and the reoccurrence of seizures may be treated with phenobarbital. In cases of severe CNS depression, airway protective reflexes may be compromised and tracheal intubation should be considered for airway protection and respiratory support. For decontamination in cases of severe toxicity, activated charcoal should be considered in a hospital setting in patients with large overdoses who present early and are not demonstrating CNS depression and can protect their airway. For more information on the management of an overdose of SOMA, contact a Poison Control Center.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 250 mg Tablets: round, convex, white tablets, inscribed with SOMA 250; available in bottles of 100 (NDC 0037-2250-10) and bottles of 30 (NDC 0037-2250-30). 350 mg Tablets: round, convex, white tablets, inscribed with SOMA 350; available in bottles of 100 (NDC 0037-2001-01). Storage Store at controlled room temperature 20° - 25°C (68° - 77°F).
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CARISOPRODOL. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0037-2001-01 | 0037-2001 | Viatris Specialty LLC | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0037-2001-01) | November 1, 1995 |
| 0037-2250-10 | 0037-2250 | Viatris Specialty LLC | 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0037-2250-10) | September 8, 2007 |
| 0037-2250-30 | 0037-2250 | Viatris Specialty LLC | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (0037-2250-30) | September 8, 2007 |
| 0037-2001 | 0037-2001 | Viatris Specialty LLC | — | November 1, 1995 |
| 0037-2250 | 0037-2250 | Viatris Specialty LLC | — | September 8, 2007 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.