The Basics
What is Carisoprodol?
A muscle relaxer that blocks pain sensations between the nerves and the brain to treat skeletal muscle conditions.
Brand names for Carisoprodol
Soma
How Carisoprodol is classified
Muscle Relaxants (Central)
Carisoprodol During Pregnancy
Carisoprodol pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Carisoprodol while pregnant
N/A
Taking Carisoprodol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Carisoprodol?
If carisoprodol is required by the mother, it is not necessarily a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Slight sedation has occurred in a breastfed newborn infant who was exposed during pregnancy and lactation; sedation might be more pronounced in newborns who are exposed for the first time during nursing. Other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant, or when other drugs that can cause sedation are used simultaneously.
Maternal / infant drug levels
If carisoprodol is required by the mother, it is not necessarily a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Slight sedation has occurred in a breastfed newborn infant who was exposed during pregnancy and lactation; sedation might be more pronounced in newborns who are exposed for the first time during nursing. Other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant, or when other drugs that can cause sedation are used simultaneously.
Possible effects of Carisoprodol on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Carisoprodol
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Nordeng H, Zahlsen K, Spigset O. Transfer of carisoprodol to breast milk. Ther Drug Monit. 2001;23:298-300. PMID: 11360042
2. Bailey DN, Briggs JR. Carisoprodol: an unrecognized drug of abuse. Am J Clin Pathol. 2002;117:396-400. PMID: 11888078
3. Briggs GG, Ambrose PJ, Nageotte MP, Padilla G. High-dose carisoprodol during pregnancy and lactation. Ann Pharmacother. 2008;42:898-901. PMID: 18460586
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
