Generic Name - Baclofen
Category - Anti-Spasmodics
Indications
Muscle relaxant
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant medication used to decrease spasticity related to multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries or other neurological diseases.Spacity can be understood as a motor disorder characterized by tight or stiff muscles that may interfere with voluntary muscle movements. Baclofen acts on the central nervous system to relieve spasms, cramping and tightness of muscles caused by spasticity. In this way, it allows more normal motor movements.
Baclofen Contraindications and Drug Interactions
Baclofen is contraindicated in patients, who are hypersensitive to this drug, medications that belong to this class of drugs or had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
Baclofen should not be taken by patients who have a history of the following ailment conditions.
Diabetes mellitus
Epilepsy or
Kiddney disease or
Mental or emotional problems or
Stroke or other brain disease.
There are a number of medications that interact with Baclofen.It is important to take the doctor's counsel if you are taking any of the following.
Antihistamines
Narcotics (pain killers)
Sedatives
Phenothiazines
Antidepressants
Baclofen Dosage
The following information just highlights the general average dosage of Baclofen,
The usual recommended dosage of Baclofen for Skeletal Muscle Relaxant requires individual titration. Start the therapy with Baclofen at a low dosage and increase gradually until optimum effect is achieved (usually between 40-80 mg daily).
The following dosage schedule is suggested:
5 mg. t.i.d. for 3 days 10 mg. t.i.d. for 3 days 15 mg. t.i.d. for 3 days 20 mg. t.i.d. for 3 days
Thereafter additional increases may be necessary but the total daily dose should not exceed a maximum of 80 mg daily (20 mg. q.i.d.).
The lowest dose of baclofen compatible with an optimal response is recommended. If benefits are not evident after a reasonable trial period, patients should be slowly withdrawn from baclofen.
Baclofen Adverse Effects
Some of the most serious BACLOFEN side Effects include chest pain, difficulty passing urine or increased need to urinate, difficulty walking or moving, fainting spells
increased spasticity, mood or mental changes, rapid heart beat, ringing or buzzing in the ears, seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), seizures, skin rash, hives, slurred speech or problems talking, unusal restlessness or nervousness, vision changes (blurred vision, seeing double).
This is not a complete list of all Side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking BACLOFEN.
Baclofen and Pregnancy
Studies do not indicate whether Baclofen will harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is recommended to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or likely to become pregnant.
Baclofen and Breastfeeding
Studies do not indicate whether Baclofen passes into breast milk. Hence, talk to your doctor regarding the use of Baclofen, if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Baclofen and Pediatric
The safety and effectiveness of Baclofen in pediatric patients have not been established.
Baclofen and Geriatric
The safety and effectiveness of Baclofen in pediatric patients have not been established.
Note
The above information about Baclofen serves as an information resource only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis and treatment.Always seek the counsel of your doctor, physician or pharmacist before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing therapy. |
