What is Baclofen?
Baclofen is part of a class of medicines known as skeletal relaxants. Baclofen can be described as an antispasmodic medication that affects the spinal cord nerves and reduces the severity and frequency of muscle spasms experienced by those suffering from certain diseases that affect the spine.
Baclofen is prescribed to children and adults who are 12 years old for the treatment of some kinds of spasticity (muscle tightness and stiffness) and muscle pain in those 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 during a time when you require muscle tone to ensure safety in balance and movement in certain tasks. Baclofen may make you sleepy. Don't drive or operate large machinery until you are aware of the effects of this medication on you. Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly, or you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Consult your physician about the appropriate use of alcohol while taking baclofen. Alcohol can make the side effects of baclofen more severe.
Before you take this drug
This medicine is for you if your body is allergic to baclofen.
To ensure that this medication is appropriate for you, tell your physician if you have any of the following:
- Psychosis, also known as schizophrenia.
- Epilepsy or a different type of seizure.
- Issues with balance.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Parkinson's disease.
- A state of confusion or schizophrenia.
- High blood pressure or a fast
- A rheumatic illness.
- A stroke or blood clot.
- kidney disease.
The use of baclofen could increase the risk of developing an ovarian cyst. Discuss your risk with your physician.
Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed. If you are taking baclofen while pregnant or nursing, 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 all instructions on the prescription label and study all prescription guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may modify your dose.
Shake your oral suspension (liquid). Take a dosage using the measuring device supplied (not a spoon for cooking). Shake well, and then pour the whole oral granule packet into your mouth. You can also swallow the whole thing at once, either with or without any liquids.
You can also mix the granules in liquids (milk, cider, or applesauce) or soft foods (apple sauce, yogurt, and pudding). The oral granules could also be administered via the feeding tube. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if they do not know the directions.
Consult your physician if symptoms don't improve or if they become worse. There are withdrawal symptoms that you may experience in the event that you suddenly stop using baclofen. Consult your physician before stopping the medication. The oral suspension (liquid) is at room temperature, free of heat and moisture. Throw Fleqsuvy to the side within two months from the time of opening. Keep Ozobax in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
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 a day for three days, followed by 10 mg orally three times per day for three days, then 15 mg orally three times per day for three days, and finally 20 mg orally three times per day over three days.
Maintenance dose: It should be determined individually.
Maximum dose daily: 80 mg (20 mg orally, 4 times per day).
Usual Pediatric Dose for Spasticity:
12-year-olds and over:
Oral:
Initial dosage: The following dose increase schedule is recommended but must be adjusted 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 per day for three days, and finally 20 mg orally three times per day over 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 the best response is suggested.
Slowly stop treatment if benefits do not become apparent within a reasonable amount of time.
What happens if I miss a dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take your missed dose if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
The signs of overdose could include a feeling of drowsiness, dizziness, or sleepiness, difficulty focusing on objects, slow breathing, seizures, or weakness of the muscles leading to the loss of consciousness.
What should be avoided?
Do not drink alcohol. Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand how baclofen affects your body. The way you react could be impaired. Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if they suffer from similar symptoms to yours.
Side Effects of Baclofen
See a doctor immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms warning signs of an allergic reaction to baclofen, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Baclofen may cause serious side effects. Consult your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Serious drowsiness and breathing problems.
- Confusion, hallucinations.
- Muscles, itching or tingling in your arms, hands, or feet.
- Fever.
Common baclofen adverse effects could include:
- Fatigue, dizziness, or drowsiness.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Utilizing baclofen in conjunction with other medications that cause drowsiness can cause more of this. Talk to your doctor prior to using opioid medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or other medications to treat anxiety and seizures.
Other medications may interfere with baclofen. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about any other medicines you are taking.
