Baclofen

Generic name: Baclofen (oral)
Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxants

Usage of Baclofen

Baclofen belongs to a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants. Baclofen is an antispasmodic agent that acts on spinal cord nerves and decreases the number and severity of muscle spasms in patients with certain conditions affecting the spinal cord.

Baclofen is used in adults and children at least 12 years old to treat certain types of spasticity (muscle stiffness and tightness) and muscle pain in people with multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury or other spinal cord diseases.

Baclofen relieves pain and improves muscle movement.

Baclofen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic Reaction to baclofen: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Baclofen may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe drowsiness, breathing problems;

confusion, hallucinations;

muscle weakness, itching, tingling, or twitching in your hands, arms, feet, or legs; or

fever.

Common baclofen side effects may include:

drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, or tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Baclofen

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to baclofen.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever HAD:

mental illness or psychosis;

epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

problems with balance;

cerebral palsy;

Parkinson's disease;

schizophrenia or a confused state;

high blood pressure, or fast heart rate;

a rheumatic disease;

a stroke or blood clot; or

kidney disease.

Using baclofen may increase your risk of developing an ovarian cyst. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If you take baclofen while pregnant or breastfeeding, withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, stiff muscles, or seizure may occur in the baby.

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How to use Baclofen

Usual Adult Dose for Spasticity:

Oral: -Initial dose: The following gradually increasing doSage regimen is suggested, but should be adjusted to suit individual patient requirements: 5 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 10 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 15 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 20 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days -Maintenance dose: Should be individualized. -Maximum dose: 80 mg/day (20 mg orally 4 times a day).

Usual Pediatric Dose for Spasticity:

12 years and older: Oral: -Initial dose: The following gradually increasing dosage regimen is suggested, but should be adjusted to suit individual patient requirements: 5 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 10 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 15 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 20 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days -Maintenance dose: Should be individualized. -Maximum dose: 80 mg/day (20 mg orally 4 times a day) Comments: -The lowest dose compatible with an optimal response is recommended. -Slowly withdraw therapy if benefits are not evident after a reasonable period.

Warnings

Do not use baclofen at a time when you need muscle tone for safe balance and movement during certain activities. Baclofen may make you drowsy. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking baclofen. Alcohol can make the side effects from baclofen worse.

What other drugs will affect Baclofen

Using baclofen with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with baclofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

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