Brand names Baclospas, Lioresal
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Baclofen is a muscle-relaxant drug that acts on the central nervous system,
including the spinal cord. The drug relieves the spasms, cramping, and rigidity
of muscles caused by a variety of disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and
spinal cord injury. Baclofen is also used to treat the spasticity that results
from brain injury, cerebral palsy, or stroke. Although this drug does not
cure any of these disorders, it increases mobility, allowing other treatment,
such as physiotherapy, to be carried out.
Baclofen is less likely to cause muscle weakness than similar drugs, and its
side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, are usually temporary. Elderly
people are more susceptible to side effects, especially during early stages of
treatment.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without
checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, liquid, injection (specialist use).
Frequency and timing of doses
3 x daily with food or milk.
Adult dosage range
15mg daily (starting dose). Daily dose may be increased by 15mg every 3 days as
necessary. Maxiumum daily dose: 100mg.
Onset of effect
Some benefits may appear after 1-3 hours, but full beneficial effects may not be
felt for several weeks. A dose 1 hour before a specific task will improve
mobility.
Duration of action
Up to 8 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect liquid from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a
single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor who will supervise a
gradual reduction in dosage. Abrupt cessation may rarely cause hallucinations,
fits, and worsening spasticity.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large
overdoses may cause weakness, vomiting, and severe drowsiness. Notify your
doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
The common adverse effects are related to the minimized by starting with a low
dose that is sedative effects of the drug. Such effects are gradually increased.
INTERACTIONS
Antihypertensive drugs Baclofen may increase the blood-pressure lowering
effect of such drugs.
Drugs for parkinsonism Some drugs used for parkinsonism may cause
confusion and hallucinations if taken with baclofen.
Sedatives All drugs with a sedative effect on the central nervous system
may increase the sedative properties of baclofen.
Tricyclic antidepressants may increase the effects of baclofen leading to
muscle weakness.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Muscle-relaxant drug
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have difficulty in passing urine.
You have had a peptic ulcer.
You have had epileptic fits.
You have diabetes.
You suffer with breathing problems.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk, out at normal doses adverse effects are
unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
Increased likelihood of adverse effects. Reduced dose may therefore be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how baclofen affects you because
the drug can cause drowsiness.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.
Surgery and general anaesthetics
Be sure to inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking baclofen before you
have a general anaesthetic.
PROLONGED USE
No problems expected.
