Two medicines, side by side
Carisoprodol vs cyclobenzaprine
Carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine are both labeled for muscle spasms and spasticity. Drugs@FDA records approvals of carisoprodol since 1959 and of cyclobenzaprine since 1977. Pharmacies paid $0.0706 per carisoprodol 350 mg tablet and $0.0171 per cyclobenzaprine 10 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. Cyclobenzaprine's other strengths are brand-only: $29.61 per tablet (Tonmya 2.8 mg tablet sl).
Check it at the source: the carisoprodol FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 15, 2025); the cyclobenzaprine FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 21, 2025).
Highlights of the carisoprodol record
Carisoprodol (Soma) · label of July 15, 2025
Used for
From the label: indicationsCarisoprodol tablets are indicated for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- April 9, 1959
- Generic labelers
- 24 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0706 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 5
Highlights of the cyclobenzaprine record
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) · label of February 21, 2025
Used for
From the label: indicationsCyclobenzaprine hydrochloride tablets, USP are indicated as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Improvement is manifested by relief of muscle spasm and its associated signs and symptoms, namely, pain, tenderness, limitation of motion, and restriction in activities of daily living. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- August 26, 1977
- Generic labelers
- 59 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0171 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 5
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Carisoprodol label of July 15, 2025, Cyclobenzaprine label of February 21, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class muscle relaxants.
Half-life, in each label's words: Carisoprodol, “Excretion Carisoprodol is eliminated by both renal and non-renal routes with a terminal elimination half-life of …”; Cyclobenzaprine, “Cyclobenzaprine is eliminated quite slowly, with an effective half-life of 18 hours (range 8 to 37 hours; n=18); …”
Generics: carisoprodol since 1979; cyclobenzaprine since 1988 (Drugs@FDA).
DEA schedule: carisoprodol CIV; cyclobenzaprine none.
| Carisoprodol | Cyclobenzaprine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Muscle spasms and spasticity | Muscle spasms and spasticity, Nerve pain and fibromyalgia |
| Pharmacologic class | Muscle Relaxant | Muscle Relaxant |
| How it works (label) | The mechanism of action of carisoprodol in relieving discomfort associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions has not been clearly identified. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | Excretion Carisoprodol is eliminated by both renal and non-renal routes with a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 2 hours. | Cyclobenzaprine is eliminated quite slowly, with an effective half-life of 18 hours (range 8 to 37 hours; n=18); plasma clearance is 0.7 L/min. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | April 9, 1959 | August 26, 1977 |
| First generic approved | June 12, 1979 | February 29, 1988 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 24 labelers | 59 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0706 per tablet (Carisoprodol 350 mg tablet) | $0.0171 per tablet (Cyclobenzaprine 10 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | +3% | -10% |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 5 | 5 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 18,964 | 50,442 |
| DEA schedule | CIV | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Cyclobenzaprine label, warningsIf concomitant treatment with cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride and other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, careful observation is advised, particularly during treatment initiation or dose increases (see PRECAUTIONS :
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to carisoprodol
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions