What is Caridoxen used for. How does Caridoxen work. What are the potential side effects of Caridoxen. Is Caridoxen safe during pregnancy. How should Caridoxen be dosed.

Understanding Caridoxen: A Potent Combination Medicine

Caridoxen is a brand name medication available in Mexico that combines two active ingredients: naproxen (250mg) and carisoprodol (200mg). This powerful combination is designed to address multiple aspects of pain and discomfort, making it a versatile option for certain medical conditions.

Primary Uses of Caridoxen

Caridoxen serves several therapeutic purposes:

• Pain control
• Reduction of inflammation
• Relief of muscle spasms
• Use as a muscle relaxant

The dual-action formula of Caridoxen makes it particularly effective for conditions that involve both pain and muscle tension.

The Science Behind Caridoxen’s Effectiveness

To understand how Caridoxen works, we need to examine its two main components:

Carisoprodol: The Muscle Relaxant

Carisoprodol belongs to a class of drugs known as centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxants. While the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, researchers believe it alters nerve activity and the propagation of electrical impulses in the spinal cord and brain. This action helps to relieve muscle spasms and associated discomfort.

Naproxen: The Anti-inflammatory Component

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking the effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, naproxen helps to lower body temperature and decrease the sensitivity of nerve endings to pain transmission.

Dosage and Administration of Caridoxen

Proper dosing of Caridoxen is crucial for its safe and effective use. The recommended dosage is as follows:

• 1 to 2 tablets
• Up to 3 to 4 times a day
• Should be taken with food
• Short-term use only (no more than two to three weeks)

It’s important to note that Caridoxen should not be used for extended periods due to the potential for side effects and dependency associated with carisoprodol.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

As with any medication, Caridoxen can cause side effects. These effects are a combination of those associated with both carisoprodol and naproxen.

Carisoprodol-related Side Effects

• Sedation and drowsiness
• Dizziness and headache
• Heart palpitations
• Orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure upon standing)
• Facial flushing
• Insomnia
• Nausea and abdominal discomfort

Carisoprodol carries a potential for abuse and addiction. Sudden discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, muscle twitching, and hallucinations.

Naproxen-related Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal issues (indigestion, heartburn, bleeding)
• Increased risk of cardiovascular events (stroke or heart attack)
• Kidney problems

Elderly individuals, those taking other stomach-affecting medications, or those who consume more than 3 glasses of alcohol per day may be at higher risk for stomach-related side effects.

Contraindications and Special Populations

Caridoxen may not be suitable for everyone. Certain conditions and circumstances warrant caution or avoidance of this medication:

• Acute porphyria
• Kidney or liver disease
• Reduced CYP2C19 activity
• History of drug or alcohol abuse
• Certain psychiatric comorbidities
• Pre-existing cardiovascular conditions
• History of stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal disorders
• Pregnancy, especially during the last three months

In the United States, carisoprodol is not FDA approved for adolescents younger than 16 years old.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Caridoxen can interact with various medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Some notable interactions include:

• Other sedating drugs (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, opioid analgesics)
• Alcohol
• Drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 hepatic enzymes
• Warfarin
• SSRIs
• ACE inhibitors
• Diuretics

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Caridoxen.

Caridoxen in Pregnancy and Lactation

The use of Caridoxen during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages, can pose significant risks to the developing fetus. NSAIDs like naproxen should be avoided during the last three months of pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Additionally, NSAID use around 20 weeks gestation or later may cause fetal kidney problems, potentially leading to oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid volume) and kidney impairment.

If NSAID treatment is deemed necessary between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, it should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, under close medical supervision.

Breastfeeding Considerations

Caution is also advised for breastfeeding mothers. Both naproxen and carisoprodol can pass into breast milk, potentially affecting the nursing infant. Consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits before using Caridoxen while breastfeeding.

Pharmacokinetics of Caridoxen Components

Understanding how Caridoxen is processed in the body can help explain its effects and potential variations in efficacy among different individuals.

Carisoprodol Metabolism

Carisoprodol undergoes activation in the liver, specifically through an enzyme called CYP2C19. Individuals classified as “poor metabolizers” may not experience the full effects of carisoprodol, as they produce less of its active form. This genetic variation in metabolism can impact the drug’s efficacy and safety profile.

Naproxen Absorption and Distribution

Naproxen is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. While taking it with food may delay absorption, it does not significantly alter the drug’s overall effect. Peak plasma levels are typically reached within 2 to 4 hours after ingestion, depending on food intake.

The unique pharmacokinetics of both components contribute to Caridoxen’s rapid onset of action and sustained relief of pain and muscle spasms.

Monitoring and Follow-up

Given the potential for side effects and the risk of dependency associated with carisoprodol, close monitoring is essential when using Caridoxen. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can help assess the medication’s effectiveness and identify any emerging concerns.

Key Points for Monitoring

• Effectiveness in pain relief and muscle relaxation
• Development of any side effects
• Signs of dependency or tolerance
• Changes in cardiovascular health
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Kidney function, especially in at-risk populations

Healthcare providers may recommend periodic blood tests or other diagnostic procedures to ensure the safe continued use of Caridoxen.

Alternatives to Caridoxen

While Caridoxen can be effective for short-term pain relief and muscle relaxation, its potential for side effects and dependency may lead some patients and healthcare providers to consider alternatives.

Non-pharmacological Alternatives

• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Heat or cold therapy
• Stretching and exercise programs

Alternative Medications

• Other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac)
• Acetaminophen (paracetamol)
• Non-sedating muscle relaxants
• Topical pain relievers

The choice of alternative treatments should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the individual’s specific condition, medical history, and risk factors.

Patient Education and Safe Use of Caridoxen

Proper education is crucial for the safe and effective use of Caridoxen. Patients should be informed about:

• The importance of adhering to prescribed dosages
• Potential side effects and when to seek medical attention
• The risks of long-term use and dependency
• Interactions with alcohol and other medications
• The need for regular follow-ups with their healthcare provider

Patients should also be advised to keep Caridoxen and all medications out of reach of children and to dispose of unused medication properly to prevent misuse.

Future Research and Development

As medical science advances, research into combinations like Caridoxen continues. Future studies may focus on:

• Developing formulations with reduced side effect profiles
• Investigating long-term safety and efficacy
• Exploring genetic factors that influence drug response
• Identifying optimal treatment durations and dosing regimens

These ongoing efforts aim to improve patient outcomes and expand our understanding of pain management and muscle relaxation therapies.

What is Caridoxen used for?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 3, 2022.

Caridoxen is a brand name of a combination medicine available in Mexico that contains naproxen (250mg) and carisoprodol (200mg) which may be used to control pain and inflammation and relieve muscle spasms. Caridoxen may be used as a muscle relaxant.

What is the dosage of Caridoxen?

The dosage of Caridoxen is 1 to 2 tablets up to 3 to 4 times a day. It should only be used for short periods (no more than two or three weeks).

Caridoxen should be administered with food.

List of countries that Caridoxen is available in

Caridoxen is available in Mexico.

How does Caridoxen work?

Caridoxen contains carisoprodol and naproxen. Experts aren’t exactly sure how carisoprodol works but believe it alters nerve activity and the propagation of electrical impulses in the spinal cord and brain. Carisoprodol belongs to the group of drugs known as centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxants.

Naproxen relieves pain and inflammation and works by blocking the effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. This prevents prostaglandin synthesis (prostaglandins elevate body temperature and make nerve endings more sensitive to pain transmission). Naproxen belongs to a group of medicines known as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

What are the side effects of Caridoxen?

The side effects of Caridoxen are a combination of each of the ingredients: carisoprodol and naproxen.

Carisoprodol may cause sedation, which may affect a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery and increase their risk of falls. Alcohol should be avoided.

• Dizziness, headache, heart palpitations, and a drop in blood pressure on standing have also been reported. Facial flushing, insomnia, nausea, and abdominal discomfort may also occur.
• Carisoprodol may be addictive and carries a potential for abuse. May be sought after by drug abusers or people with addiction disorders. Misuse may cause sudden death or cardiovascular events (such as heart attack or stroke). Sudden discontinuation may precipitate withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, muscle twitching, and hallucinations. Tolerance has developed to its effect (this means that the same dosage no longer provides the same relief).
• Rarely, may cause seizures, particularly when used with other seizure-inducing drugs.
• May not be as effective in people classed as “poor metabolizers” as the drug undergoes activation in the liver, specifically through an enzyme called CYP2C19. Poor metabolizers make less of the active form of carisoprodol.
• In the U.S. carisoprodol is not FDA approved for adolescents younger than 16 years old.
• May not be suitable for some people such as those with acute porphyria, kidney or liver disease, reduced CYP2C19 activity, a history of drug or alcohol abuse, or certain psychiatric comorbidities.
• May interact with several other drugs including other drugs that cause sedation, such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, antidepressants, opioid analgesics, and drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 hepatic enzymes.

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.

• Naproxen is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Administering it with food may delay its absorption but does not alter its effect. Peak plasma levels after a dose are reached in 2 to 4 hours, depending on food intake.
• Naproxen may cause stomach-related side effects including indigestion, heartburn, and bleeding. People of older age, taking other medicines that affect the stomach, or who drink more than 3 glasses of alcohol per day may be more at risk. Naproxen is considered to have an intermediate potential for stomach-related side effects compared with other NSAIDs.
• Most NSAIDs have been associated with an increased risk of stroke or heart attack. The risk may be higher in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions and with higher dosages.
• May not be suitable for some people including those with kidney disease, a history of stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal disorders, with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, or following coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
• May interact with some other medicines such as warfarin, SSRIs, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics.
• NSAIDs, such as naproxen, should not be used during the last three months of pregnancy because they can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. In addition, the use of NSAIDs at around 20 weeks gestation or later in pregnancy may cause fetal kidney problems leading to oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid volume) and in some cases kidney impairment. If NSAID treatment is deemed necessary between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Avoid NSAIDs after 30 weeks gestation.

What is the equivalent of Caridoxen available in the United States?

There is not a combination carisoprodol/naproxen medication available in the United States that is the same as Caridoxen but the ingredients contained in Caridoxen could be taken separately as naproxen (Aleve, EC-naprosyn) and carisoprodol (Soma, Vanadom).

What else is there to know about Caridoxen?

• Caridoxen should only be used for a maximum of two to three weeks at a time. Take exactly as directed, do not increase the dosage without your doctor’s advice.
• Do not stop Caridoxen suddenly; when the time comes to discontinue it, your doctor will advise you how to taper the dosage down. If Caridoxen is not making your muscle pain any better, talk with your doctor.
• Do not drive or operate machinery if Caridoxen makes you sleepy. Avoid alcohol because alcohol may make sleepiness worse.
• Administer at the lowest effective dosage and take exactly as directed by your doctor; never increase the dosage of Caridoxen without your doctor’s advice. Avoid sudden discontinuation as this can precipitate a withdrawal reaction.
• Talk to your doctor if you think you have become addicted to Caridoxen or if you experience any intolerable side effects.
• Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before buying anything over-the-counter to check if it is compatible with Caridoxen. Caridoxen is a centrally-acting muscle relaxant that indirectly relaxes skeletal muscles. The carisoprodol metabolite, meprobamate, has anxiolytic and sedative properties.

References

• Naproxen: 7 things you should know. Updated 17 Aug 2022. Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/tips/naproxen-patient-tips
• Carisoprodol: 7 things you should know. Updated 14 February 2022. Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/tips/carisoprodol-patient-tips
• Caridoxen. Farmacias Especializadas. https://www.farmaciasespecializadas.com/medicamentos/detalle/30064-caridoxen-250200-mg-cap-c30

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Medical Disclaimer

CARIDOXEN CARISOPRODOL/NAPROXEN 250/200MG 30CAPS – PAIN MEDICINES

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory with analgesic and anti-inflammatory action.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Naproxen selectively inhibit the synthesis of activators (prostaglandins), which are the most important mediators of inflammation. Through their inhibitory action on cyclooxygenase and its COX 1 and COX 2 isoenzymes. NSAIDs work by preventing prostaglandin synthesis by inhibiting COX enzymatic activity at sites of inflammation and in the CNS. If inhibition of prostaglandin (PGE2 and Pl2) production is achieved, the signaling pathways are not activated and effectively reduce the increase in pain sensitization that accompanies prostaglandin activity. Naproxen affects pain receptors in the spinal cord and in major centers of the Central Nervous System and produces pain attenuation by activation of spinal cord substance P and glutamate receptors. The effects of naproxen on voltage-gated Na+, Ca+, and K+ channels, transient potential receptors, and IC channels have been documented.

Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant developed from meprobamate, it has a fast effect and lasts 4 to 6 hours.

Naproxen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis like other similar agents.

Carisoprodol is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that indirectly relaxes skeletal muscles. The carisoprodol metabolite, meprobamate, has anxiolytic and sedative properties.

Naproxen is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Concomitant administration with food may delay its absorption, but does not alter its effect. Peak plasma levels after a dose are reached in 2 to 4 hours, depending on food intake.

The pharmacokinetics of carisoprodol and its metabolite meprobamate were studied in a study of 24 healthy subjects (12 men and 12 women) who received single doses of 350 mg carisoprodol. The meprobamate Cmax after administration of a single 350-mg dose of carisoprodol was 2.46 mcg/mL (median ± SD), which is approximately 25% of the meprobamate Cmax (approximately 8 mcg/mL) after administration of a single 400 mg dose of meprobamate.

The absolute bioavailability of carisoprodol has not been determined. Following administration of a single 350 mg dose of carisoprodol, the mean time to reach plasma concentrations (Tmax) of carisoprodol was approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Co-administration of a high-fat meal with 350 mg carisoprodol had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of carisoprodol.

Naproxen has a volume of distribution of 0.16 l/kg. It is more than 99% bound to plasma proteins at normal therapeutic doses. At doses greater than 500 mg/day there is no direct relationship between dose and plasma concentration due to increased clearance caused by saturation of its binding to plasma proteins at high doses. However, the concentration of non-protein bound naproxen continues to increase in a dose proportional manner. Stable plasma levels of naproxen are reached after 3 to 4 days. Naproxen penetrates synovial fluid, crosses the placenta, and is present in breast milk at approximately 1% of the maternal plasma concentration.

 Naproxen is extensively metabolized in the liver to 6-o-desmethyl-naproxen. The main route of metabolism of carisoprodol is through the liver by the enzyme cytochrome CYP2C19 to form meprobamate. This enzyme shows a genetic polymorphism.

Approximately 95% of naproxen is excreted in the urine, primarily as naproxen (less than 1%), 6-o-desmethyl-naproxen (less than 1%) or their conjugates (66 to 92%). The rate of excretion has been found to closely match the rate at which the drug disappears from the plasma. In smaller amounts, less than 3% is excreted in the feces. Naproxen clearance is approximately 0.13 mL/min/kg. The elimination half-life of naproxen is approximately 14 hours and is independent of clinical form or formulation. Carisoprodol is eliminated by both renal and non-renal routes with a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 2 hours after administration of a single 350 mg carisoprodol dose. The half-life of meprobamate is approximately 10 hours after administration of a single dose of 350 mg carisoprodol.

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