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Soma

Carisoprodol · Tablet

Prescription NDA Schedule CIV TE AA RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Soma
Generic name
Carisoprodol
Dosage form
Tablet
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Viatris Specialty LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
CIV
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
2
Packages
3
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Carisoprodol 250 mg/1 197446 View
Carisoprodol 350 mg/1 197446 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
5

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
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
Application number
011792
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
April 9, 1959
Sponsor
MYLAN SPECIALITY LP
Products on application
3
Submissions recorded
28
Products approved under application 011792.
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 Book
TE code
AA
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What 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
Most recent submissions on application 011792.
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 Labeling

Reproduced 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.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250829

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 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 Labeling

2 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 Labeling

3 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 Labeling

4 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 Labeling

5 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 Labeling

6 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 Labeling

7 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 Labeling

8 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 Labeling

12.1 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 Labeling

11 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

10 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 Labeling

16 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 FAERS
18,967
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed 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
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
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

Every dataset that contributed a fact to 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.