Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CARISOPRODOL versus RELA.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CARISOPRODOL versus RELA.
CARISOPRODOL vs RELA
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Carisoprodol is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant that exerts its effects via modulation of GABA-A receptors, possibly through its active metabolite meprobamate, which is a controlled substance with barbiturate-like activity. It also inhibits interneuronal activity in the descending reticular formation and spinal cord, leading to muscle relaxation.
RELA (Carisoprodol) is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that modulates GABA-A receptor activity and blocks interneuronal activity in the descending reticular formation and spinal cord, resulting in muscle relaxation without directly affecting the neuromuscular junction. Its metabolite, meprobamate, contributes to anxiolytic and sedative effects.
250-350 mg orally 3 times daily and at bedtime
Adults: 250-350 mg orally 3-4 times daily.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateCarisoprodol + Fluticasone propionate
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Carisoprodol is combined with Fluticasone propionate."
Clinical Note
moderateCarisoprodol + Fluconazole
"The metabolism of Fluconazole can be decreased when combined with Carisoprodol."
Clinical Note
moderateCarisoprodol + Clotrimazole
"The metabolism of Clotrimazole can be decreased when combined with Carisoprodol."
Clinical Note
moderateCarisoprodol + Ketoconazole
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 2.0 hours for carisoprodol; the active metabolite meprobamate has a half-life of 6-12 hours. Clinical context: Short half-life supports three-times-daily dosing; accumulation of meprobamate with repeated dosing or renal impairment may prolong effects.
Terminal elimination half-life approximately 20–30 hours; prolonged in elderly and renal impairment
Renal: >99% as metabolites (hydroxycarisoprodol and meprobamate) and minor unchanged drug. Fecal: <1%. Biliary: negligible.
Primarily renal excretion of unchanged drug and metabolites; 70% to 80% eliminated via urine, remainder biliary/fecal
Category A/B
Category C
Skeletal Muscle Relaxant
Skeletal Muscle Relaxant
"The metabolism of Ketoconazole can be decreased when combined with Carisoprodol."