What is baclofen?
Baclofen is a member of a group of medicines known as skeletal relaxants. Baclofen can be described as an antispasmodic drug that acts on spinal cord nerves and reduces the frequency and intensity of muscle spasms in patients suffering from specific conditions that affect the spinal cord.
Baclofen is prescribed to adults and children who are at least 12 to treat a variety of spasticity (muscle tightness and stiffness) and muscle pain for people suffering from MS, an injury to the spinal cord, or other diseases of the spinal cord.
Baclofen eases pain and increases muscle mobility.
Warnings
Do not take baclofen when you require muscle strength for safety in balance and movement in specific tasks. Baclofen may make you feel sleepy. Don't drive or operate machines that are heavy until you understand what the effect of this medication is on you.
Don't stop taking the medicine abruptly, or you could experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Discuss with your doctor the safety of drinking alcoholic drinks while taking baclofen. Alcohol can make the side effects of baclofen even more serious.
Before You Take This Drug
It is not recommended to use this medication if you have an allergy to baclofen.
To ensure that this medication is suitable for you, inform your physician if you've previously had:
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The mental illness, also known as schizophrenia;
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Epilepsy or any other seizures;
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Issues with balance
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Cerebral palsy;
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Parkinson's disease;
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A state of confusion or schizophrenia
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High blood pressure or rapid pace of the heart;
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An autoimmune disease;
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A stroke or blood clot: an injury to the brain or a blood clot
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Kidney disease.
The use of baclofen could increase the chance of developing an ovarian cyst. Discuss with your physician the risks you are taking.
Consult your physician if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed. If you are taking baclofen during your pregnancy or while breastfeeding, withdrawal symptoms such as stiff muscles, tremors, or seizures may develop in the baby.
How to Take baclofen?
Use baclofen as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label, and make sure you read all the prescription guides or instructions sheets. Your doctor might occasionally alter your dosage.
Stir your oral suspension (liquid).
Make a dose using the measuring device supplied (not a spoon for cooking).
Shake and pour the complete oral granule packet into your mouth. Or, swallow it all in one go, whether or not you drink liquids.
You can also mix the granules into liquids (milk and apple juice) or soft foods (apple sauce, yoghurt, and pudding).
The oral granules may be administered through the feeding tube. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you don't comprehend these directions.
Contact your physician if your symptoms don't improve or if they become worse.
You could experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking baclofen abruptly. Talk to your doctor prior to taking baclofen.
Keep the
oral suspension
(liquid) at ambient temperature, far from heat and moisture. Discard
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within 2 months after the first time it opens.
Details on Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Spasticity:
Oral:
Initial dosage: The following gradual dose increase regimen is recommended; however, it must be adjusted according to the individual needs of each patient: 5 mg orally three times per day for three days, followed by 10 mg orally three times a day for three days, then 15 mg orally three times per day for three days, and finally 20 mg orally three times a day for three days.
Maintenance dose: It should be determined individually.
Maximum dose: 80 mg per day (20 mg orally, 4 times per day).
Usual Paediatric Dose for Spasticity:
Ages 12 and over:
Oral:
Initial dose: The gradual increasing dosage schedule is recommended; however, it is best to adjust according to the individual needs of each patient: 5 mg orally three times a day for three days, followed by 10 mg orally three times a day for three days, then 15 mg orally three times a day for three days, and finally 20 mg orally three times a day for three days.
Maintenance dose: It should be determined individually.
Maximum dosage daily: 80 mg (20 mg taken orally four times per day).
Comments:
The lowest dose that can be correlated with a maximum response is suggested.
Slowly stop treatment if benefits do not become apparent within a reasonable time.
What happens If I Miss the Dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, avoid your missed dose if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms can include a rise in sleepiness, dizziness, difficulty with focus, shallow breathing, seizures, or muscle weakness that leads to a loss of consciousness.
What Should be Avoided?
Do not drink alcohol.
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of baclofen on your body. The way you react could be affected.
Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if they suffer from similar symptoms to yours.
Side Effects of Baclofen
Take immediate medical attention in the event that you exhibit symptoms that are warning signs of an allergic reaction to baclofen, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Baclofen may cause serious side effects. Consult your doctor immediately in the event that you experience:
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Extreme drowsiness and breathing issues;
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Confusion, hallucinations;
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Muscles, itching or tingling in your arms, hands, or feet, or
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Fever.
Common baclofen side effects can include:
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Fatigue,
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Dizziness,
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Drowsiness,
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Tiredness,
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Fatigue,
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Dizziness.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA via 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drug
Combining baclofen with other medications that cause drowsiness can cause more of this. Consult your physician before taking opioids, sleeping pills, a muscle relaxer, or medication for anxiety as well as seizures.
Other drugs can be incompatible with baclofen, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician all other medicines you are taking.
