Carisoprodol (N-isopropyl-2-methyl-2-propyl-l,3-propanediol dicarbamate) is a dicarbamate that is structurally similar to mephenesin and meprobamate. It functions as a skeletal muscle relaxant and has analgesic properties. Although it does not have an effect on behavior, it inhibits reticular formation. The area associated with pain perception in the CNS is affected by carisoprodol for its analgesic activity.
Carisoprodol is actively metabolized to meprobamate, a depressant of the CNS having sedative hypnotic.

Carisoprodol has been used as a standard for quantitative determination of carisoprodol in tablets using high-performance thin-layer chromatography. It has also been used to study the effect of pharmacological agents on the muscles of dystrophin-deficient mdx5Cv mice.

Metabolite of meprobamate that is a skeletal muscle relaxant, reduces muscle spasm by depression of brainstem neurons.

This compound was developed by Schering Plough. To browse the list of other pharma-developed compounds and Approved Drugs/Drug Candidates, click here.