Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking carisoprodol as follows:
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your physician.
- This medication can induce some nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and self-limiting diarrhea, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Observe compliance with fluid, electrolyte, and nutrition intake, as recommended. If stomach upset and diarrhea are uncontrolled, report to your physician immediately for further recommendations.
- Carisoprodol is mainly metabolized inside the body by the liver and is excreted out of the body in urine by the kidneys. Carisoprodol is metabolized by the liver to active products that have a strong abuse potential, which makes carisoprodol a risky drug for individuals with history of drug abuse. If liver is deficient, metabolism of the drug could be compromised, which can result in higher concentrations of the drug in the body for longer periods of time. If kidney function is deficient, elimination of the drug could be compromised, which also can result in higher concentrations of the drug and metabolites in the body for longer periods of time. Either case can contribute to toxicity. While taking carisoprodol, periodical labs could be ordered for evaluation of liver and kidney functions. So, maintain compliance with follow-up physician appointments and lab draws ordered. Be accommodative to the plan of dose changes accordingly to achieve an optimum response and prevent development of any undesired side-effects & toxicity.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose, which can result in toxicity. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
