Class: Anxiolytics, Sedatives, and Hypnotics; Miscellaneous
VA Class: CN309
Chemical Name: 2-Methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol dicarbamate
CAS Number: 57-53-4
Brands: Equagesic
Introduction
Anxiolytic agent.100 101 a
Uses for Meprobamate
Anxiety
Management of anxiety disorders or short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.100 a
Efficacy for long-term use (i.e., >4 months) has not been evaluated.100 a
Adjunct therapy when anxiety complicates psychosis or treatment of alcohol dependence; however, consider additive CNS depressant effects of meprobamate and alcohol.a
Anxiety or tension associated with stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic.100 a
Sedation
Has been used preoperatively to relieve anxiety and provide sedation†.a
Effective in promoting sleep† in the anxious, tense patient.a
No evidence that drug has an advantage over other sedatives (e.g., barbiturates) in relieving anxiety and tension.a
Seizures
Not effective as an anticonvulsant in the management of seizure disorders†; may precipitate seizures.a (See Seizures under Cautions.)
Pain with Tension/Anxiety
Meprobamate in fixed combination with aspirin used as adjunct in the short-term (≤10 days) therapy of pain accompanied by tension and/or anxiety in patients with musculoskeletal disease.101
The combination has been shown to be more effective than aspirin alone.101
Meprobamate Dosage and Administration
Administration
Administer orally.100 101 a
Avoid prolonged administration; may induce psychologic or physical dependence.100 101 a
If discontinuing meprobamate after chronic therapy, withdraw slowly to avoid the possibility of precipitating withdrawal symptoms.101 a
Dosage
Individualize dosage and administer the smallest effective dosage (especially in geriatric or debilitated patients) to avoid oversedation.100 101 a
Periodically reassess need for continued therapy.100
Pediatric Patients
Anxiety
Oral
Children 6–12 years of age: 100–200 mg 2 or 3 times (200–600 mg) daily.100
Children >12 years of age: 1.2–1.6 g daily in 3 or 4 divided doses.a
Sedation†
Oral
Children 6–12 years of age: 100–200 mg 2 or 3 times (200–600 mg) daily.a 100 Alternatively, 25 mg/kg daily or 700 mg/m2 daily in 2 or 3 divided doses.a
Children >12 years of age: Usual hypnotic dose: 800 mg.a
Preoperative Anxiety/Sedation†
Oral
Children 6–12 years of age: 200 mg.a
Children >12 years of age: 400 mg.a
Pain and Anxiety
Fixed-combination Meprobamate/Aspirin
Oral
Children >12 years of age: 200 or 400 mg (1 or 2 tablets) 3 or 4 times daily as needed for up to 10 days.101
Adults
Anxiety
Oral
1.2–1.6 g daily in 3 or 4 divided doses.100 a
Sedation†
Oral
Usual hypnotic dose: 800 mg.a
Preoperative Anxiety/Sedation†
Oral
400 mg.a
Pain and Anxiety
Fixed-combination Meprobamate/Aspirin
Oral
200 or 400 mg (1 or 2 tablets) 3 to 4 times daily as needed for up to 10 days.101
Prescribing Limits
Pediatric Patients
Oral
Children >12 years of age: Maximum 2.4 g daily.100 a
Adults
Oral
Maximum 2.4 g daily.100 a
Special Populations
Geriatric or Debilitated Patients
Select dosage with caution, because of age-related decreases in hepatic, renal, and/or cardiac function and concomitant disease and drug therapy.100 101
Use the smallest effective dosage100 101 a to avoid oversedation.a
Cautions for Meprobamate
Contraindications
History of porphyria.100 101 a
Allergic or idiosyncratic reactions to meprobamate or related compounds (e.g., carisoprodol, carbromal, mebutamate, tybamate).100 101 a
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Abuse Potential
Tolerance, psychologic and physical dependence, and abuse may occur following prolonged use of high doses.100 101 a Dependence may be manifested by drowsiness, ataxia, slurred speech, and vertigo.100 101 a
Use with caution, especially in those with a history of drug or alcohol dependence or abuse.100 101 a
Do not prescribe large quantities in those with suicidal tendencies or in those who might abuse the drug.100 101 a
Withdrawal Effects
Abrupt cessation of therapy in physically dependent patients may produce severe withdrawal symptoms within 12–48 hours, including anxiety, anorexia, insomnia, vomiting, ataxia, tremors, muscle twitching, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures (clinically indistinguishable from generalized tonic-clonic [grand mal] seizures).100 101 a Seizures are most likely to occur in patients ingesting large amounts of the drug or patients who have CNS damage or a history of seizure disorders.100 101 a
Fatalities have occurred following abrupt withdrawal.a
Symptoms usually cease within 12–48 hours after they appear.100 101 a
When discontinuing meprobamate if excessive dosage has been administered for weeks or months, gradually reduce the dosage over 1 to 2 weeks. Alternatively, substitute a long-acting barbiturate, then gradually withdraw.100 101
CNS Effects
May impair mental and/or physical activities needed to perform potentially hazardous activities such as driving or operating machinery.100 101 a
Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality
Increased risk of fetal harm during the first trimester of pregnancy.100 101 a
Avoid use in pregnant women.100 101 a
If used during pregnancy or if patient becomes pregnant, apprise of potential fetal hazard.100 101 a
Sensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Mild to severe allergic or idiosyncratic reactions may occur, particularly in those with a history of dermatologic or allergic conditions.a In meprobamate-naive patients, these reactions usually are evident by the fourth dose of the drug.100 a
Mild reactions are characterized by pruritus, urticaria, and/or erythematous maculopapular rash which may be generalized or confined to the groin area.100 101 a
Other idiosyncratic reactions include leukopenia, acute nonthrombocytopenic purpura, petechiae, ecchymoses, eosinophilia, adenopathy, peripheral edema, fever, and fixed drug eruptions with a cross-reaction to carisoprodol and cross sensitivity with mebutamate100 101 a and carbromal.100 101 a
Rarely, severe hypersensitivity reactions manifested as hyperpyrexia, chills, angioedema, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, stomatitis, proctitis, oliguria, or anuria may occur.100 101 a Exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and bullous dermatitis also occurred.100 101 a Bullous dermatitis resulting in death occurred in one patient following administration of meprobamate in combination with prednisolone.100 a
Discontinue meprobamate if allergic or idiosyncratic reactions occur, and administer appropriate symptomatic therapy (e.g., epinephrine, antihistamines, corticosteroids).100 a
General Precautions
Use of Fixed Combination with Aspirin
When used in fixed combination with aspirin, consider the cautions, precautions, and contraindications associated with aspirin.101
Seizures
Risk of seizures; use with caution, if at all, in patients with a history of seizures.100 101 a (See Withdrawal Effects under Cautions.)
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category D. 100 101 (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.)
Lactation
Distributed into human milk.100 101 a
Discontinue nursing or the drug.100 101
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of conventional tablets in children <6 years of age have not been established.100 a
Safety and efficacy of the fixed combination tablets containing meprobamate and aspirin in children <12 years of age have not been established.101
Geriatric Use
Insufficient experience in patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger adults; select dosage with caution.100 101
No substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults.100 101
Hepatic Impairment
Use with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function.100 101
Renal Impairment
Use with caution in patients with impaired renal function.100 101
Common Adverse Effects
Anorexia,a nausea,a 100 vomiting,a 100 diarrhea,a 100 palpitations,a 100 tachycardia,a 100 arrhythmias,a 100 transient ECG changes,a 100 syncope,a 100 hypotension (e.g., hypotensive crisis),a 100 drowsiness,a 100 ataxia,a 100 slurred speech,a 100 headache,a 100 vertigo,a 100 weakness,a 100 paresthesias,a 100 impairment of visual accommodation,a 100 euphoria,a 100 overstimulation,a 100 paradoxical excitement,a 100 fast EEG activity,a 100 exacerbation of porphyric symptoms, agranulocytosis,a 100 aplastic anemia.a 100
Interactions for Meprobamate
Specific Drugs
Drug | Interaction | Comments |
|---|---|---|
Alcohol | Additive CNS effects100 101 a | Use with caution to avoid overdosage100 101 a |
CNS depressants | Additive CNS effects100 101 a | Use with caution to avoid overdosage100 101 a |
Psychotropic agents | Additive CNS effects100 101 | Use with caution to avoid overdosage100 101 |
Meprobamate Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Well absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentration usually attained within 1–3 hours.a
Onset
Onset of sedative effects is <1 hour following oral administration.a
Plasma Concentrations
Plasma concentrations between 100–200 mcg/mL associated with deep coma and are potentially lethal; fatalities frequently occur when plasma concentrations >200 mcg/mL.100 a
Distribution
Extent
Distributed throughout the body.a
Distributed into milk in lactating women, at concentrations 2 to 4 times that of maternal plasma.100 101 a
Crosses placenta and is present in umbilical cord blood at or near maternal plasma concentrations.100 101
Plasma Protein Binding
About 20% in vitro.a
Elimination
Metabolism
Rapidly metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites.100 101 a
Elimination Route
Excreted in urine (10–12%) as unchanged drug within 24 hours; remainder is excreted in urine as metabolites.a
Half-life
10–11 hours (may range from 6–16 hours).a
Stability
Storage
Oral
Tablets
Tight, child-resistant containers at 15–30°C.100 a
Fixed-Combination Tablets with Aspirin
Tight, light-resistant containers at 20–25°C.101 Protect from moisture.101
ActionsActions
CNS depressant actions similar to those of barbiturates.a
Mechanism of action is not known.a Apparently acts at multiple sites in the CNS including the hypothalamus, thalamus,100 101 a limbic system,100 101 a and spinal cord, but not the medulla, the reticular activating system, or in the autonomic nervous system.a
Although there is some evidence that meprobamate relaxes skeletal muscle tension, the skeletal muscle relaxant effects probably are caused by its sedative effect.a
Advice to Patients
Potential for meprobamate to impair mental alertness or physical coordination; use caution when driving or operating machinery.100 101 a
Importance of immediately informing clinician if sore throat, fever, easy bruising, or unusual bleeding occurs; may be an indication of hematologic toxicity.a
Importance of not abruptly discontinuing therapy; consult clinician about discontinuing use.100 101 a
Importance of women informing their clinician if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.100 (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.)100 101 a
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs.100 101
Importance of informing patients of other precautionary information. (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Meprobamate and preparations containing the drug combined with aspirin are subject to control under the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 as schedule IV (C-IV) drugs.100 a
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Tablets | 200 mg* | Meprobamate Tablets | Watson |
400 mg* | Meprobamate Tablets | Watson |
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Tablets | 200 mg with Aspirin 325 mg | Equagesic (C-IV; scored) | Leitner |
Comparative Pricing
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 03/2011. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
Meprobamate 200MG Tablets (DR.REDDY'S LABORATORIES INC.): 30/$45.99 or 90/$120.96
Meprobamate 400MG Tablets (DR.REDDY'S LABORATORIES INC.): 100/$157.99 or 200/$315.97
Disclaimer
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions December 2007. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
References
100. Watson Laboratories, Inc. Meprobamate tablets prescribing information. Corona, CA; 2004 Apr.
101. Leitner Pharmaceuticals. Equagesic (meprobamate 200 mg and aspirin 325 mg) tablets prescribing information. Bristol, TN; 2005 Feb.
a. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Meprobamate. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007:pages [2555-7].
More Meprobamate resources
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