Baclofen Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Generic name: baclofen (oral) [ BAK-loe-fen ]
Brand names: Lioresal, Lioresal Intrathecal, Gablofen, FIRST Baclofen, Ozobax, Fleqsuvy, Lyvispah
Dosage forms: oral granule (10 mg; 20 mg; 5 mg), oral liquid (5 mg/5 mL), oral suspension (1 mg/mL; 5 mg/mL), oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxants

Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Apr 19, 2023.

What is 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.

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.

Before taking this medicine

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.

How should I take baclofen?

Take baclofen exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid).

Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Shake and pour the entire oral granules packet to dissolve in your mouth or swallow whole at once, with or without liquids.

You may also mix the granules with liquids (milk, or apple juice) or soft food (apple sauce, yogurt, or pudding).

The oral granules can also be given through a feeding tube. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using baclofen suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Store the oral suspension (liquid) at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw Fleqsuvy away after 2 months of first opening.

Store Ozobax in the refrigerator, do not freeze.

Dosing information

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include increasing drowsiness, dizziness, sleepiness, trouble focusing on objects, shallow breathing, seizure, or muscle weakness leading to loss of consciousness.

What should I avoid while taking baclofen?

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how baclofen will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

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:

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.

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.

More about baclofen

• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Reviews (426)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: skeletal muscle relaxants
• Breastfeeding

Patient resources

• Advanced Reading
• Baclofen (Oral) (Advanced Reading)
• Baclofen Intrathecal Injection
• Baclofen Tablets
• Baclofen Oral Solution

Other brands

Lioresal, Gablofen, Fleqsuvy, Lyvispah, Ozobax

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Alcohol Withdrawal
• Cervical Dystonia
• Chronic Spasticity
• Cerebral Spasticity

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use baclofen only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 9.01.

Description, uses, side effects, and more

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic drug that helps alleviate muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. Doctors may also prescribe baclofen for multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury, and other conditions of the central nervous system.

The drug inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to reduce muscle contractions and pain.

In this article, we describe baclofen in more detail, including its uses, how to take it, and the potential side effects and drug interactions. We also answer some frequently asked questions about baclofen.

Baclofen has various effects on the body that make it suitable for the treatment of several conditions. It works by:

• alleviating muscle tightness and stiffness
• reducing the severity and frequency of muscle spasms
• improving muscle movement
• alleviating pain

Doctors may prescribe baclofen to help treat the following conditions:

• multiple sclerosis (MS)
• motor neuron disease (MND)
• cerebral palsy
• meningitis

Baclofen is not suitable for everyone, as it may interact with certain medications or worsen an existing condition. A person should notify the prescribing doctor of the following:

• any allergies they have to medications or common medication ingredients
• any medications they are currently taking, including the following:
  • antidepressant, antianxiety, or antipsychotic medications
  • anti-seizure medications
  • sleeping pills, sedatives, or tranquilizers
• any current or previous health conditions, particularly:
  • diabetes
  • stroke
  • epilepsy
  • psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • substance use disorder
  • respiratory impairment
  • hypertonic bladder sphincter

The doctor will also need to be aware if the person is pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. Baclofen may not be safe to take during pregnancy. Doctors will only prescribe the drug if the benefits of doing so outweigh the risks.

Baclofen is available in various forms, including tablets, oral suspensions, and injectables.

The suitable baclofen dosage for an adult will depend on the type and severity of their symptoms. Doctors will start the person on the lowest dosage and gradually increase it until they achieve the optimal response. Examples of dosages include:

• Muscle spasm pain: A person will typically take 5–10 milligrams (mg) three times per day.
• Chronic severe muscle spasticity: The dosage may initially be 5 mg three times per day, gradually increasing to 20 mg three times per day. If a person does not experience symptom relief within 6 weeks, the doctor may increase the dosage up to a maximum of 80 mg per day.
• Chronic severe muscle spasticity unresponsive to oral medication: Initially, a healthcare professional will administer a dose of 25–50 micrograms (mcg) via intrathecal injection, which is an injection into the cerebrospinal fluid. They will then increase the dose in increments of 25 mcg up to a maximum of 100 mcg to determine the lowest effective dose. A person may then receive an infusion pump, which is a device in the chest wall or abdomen that delivers a daily maintenance dose of between 12 mcg and 2 mg.

An individual should take baclofen according to the prescribing doctor’s instructions.

What to do about a missed dose

If a person misses a dose of baclofen, they should take the dose as soon as they remember. However, if the next dose is due, a person should skip the missed dose and take the next dose as planned. A person should not take a double dose of baclofen.

Is it safe to drive?

Baclofen may make some people feel drowsy or sleepy. A person should not drive or operate heavy machinery unless they are certain that the drug does not affect them in this way.

Below are some common side effects of baclofen and the ways in which people can alleviate them:

Serious side effects

In rare instances, a person may experience a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis while taking baclofen.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:

• skin rash or hives
• pallor or discoloration of the face or body
• swelling of the throat or other body parts
• tightness in the chest
• wheezing or coughing
• hoarse voice
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• a feeling of impending doom

A person who develops any of the above symptoms after taking baclofen or any other medication should seek emergency medical attention.

Baclofen can interact with other drugs, and this may increase the risk of side effects.

Medications that may interact with baclofen include:

• other muscle relaxant medications
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen
• medications to treat high blood pressure
• the mood stabilizer lithium
• the antidepressant medication amitriptyline
• the Parkinson’s disease medication levodopa

People should also notify the doctor if they are taking any dietary or herbal supplements, as some of these products may interact with medications such as baclofen.

Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions regarding the use of baclofen.

Can baclofen make you sleepy?

Baclofen can make some people feel drowsy or sleepy. Unless a person is certain that they do not experience this side effect, they should not engage in the following activities:

• driving
• riding a bike
• operating heavy or dangerous machinery or tools

Is baclofen addictive?

A 2016 case study notes that reports of baclofen dependence and abuse are rare. However, abruptly reducing or discontinuing baclofen may result in withdrawal, especially if a person has been taking the drug for more than 2 months. As such, doctors recommend tapering the dose off gradually over 2–4 weeks to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms of withdrawal include:

• sleepiness, drowsiness, or sedation
• insomnia
• lack of mental alertness
• delusions and hallucinations
• confusion or agitation
• delirium
• weakness
• feeling cold
• visual changes
• increased muscle stiffness and spasms
• seizures

Is baclofen good for anxiety?

Doctors do not prescribe baclofen to treat anxiety alone. However, a 2017 study notes that doctors may prescribe the drug off-label to help treat comorbid alcohol use disorder and anxiety disorder.

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic drug that helps alleviate muscle stiffness, spasms, and pain. Doctors may prescribe it to help treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis and other diseases and injuries of the central nervous system.

Baclofen may not be suitable for everyone. Before taking this drug, a person should notify the doctor of any underlying health conditions and any medications or supplements they are taking. They should also tell the doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Baclofen can cause side effects. As such, doctors will introduce the drug slowly to find the minimum effective dosage. If a person later needs to come off the drug, the doctor will taper the dosage gradually to minimize the risk of withdrawal.

Anyone who experiences side effects while taking baclofen should notify the prescribing doctor immediately.

Baclosan (Baclofen): what kind of drug is it, how does it work, signs of use, consequences, addiction treatment

In modern realities, more and more people are pathologically dependent on various synthetic drugs. The universal availability of these drugs only increases the risk of developing drug addiction. Some of the drugs hunted by drug addicts are widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment and correction of various pathological conditions.

Baclofen – pills for treatment or drug?

Baclosan (Baclofen) is a synthetic drug that belongs to the group of muscle relaxants. It is used in traditional medical practice to relieve seizures of epilepsy, correct spastic reactions in various muscle groups that are provoked by various diseases. But, unfortunately, baclofen is a drug that is widely popular in the criminal world. The pathological interest in this drug is explained by the mechanism of action of Baclofen on the central nervous system.

What does the drug do to a person that the frequency of pathological addictions to these pills regularly increases:

• dulls mental reactions, reduces the effect of external stimuli on the receptors of the nervous system;
• promotes hallucinations;
• helps to relax and get rid of fatigue;
• improves mood and resistance to stress;
• relieves muscle spasms.

Traditional neurology and neurosurgery recommend the use of Baclofen for medicinal purposes. What doctors prescribe medicine for:

• spastic processes;
• epilepsy;
• traumatic brain injury;
• spinal cord surgery.

The systematic use of baclofen tablets leads to the formation of receptor resistance at the biochemical level. Therefore, the patient constantly requires increasing dosages of the drug to obtain the desired effect. Drug addicts constantly increase the amount of the drug baclofen. What is the unauthorized use of the drug leads to irreversible consequences, drug addicts do not even think about it.

Drug abuse leads to receptor resistance to regular use of Baclofen tablets. An overdose against the background of a significant excess of the doses recommended by the doctor occurs almost instantly and is manifested by the following symptoms:

acute disturbances in the work of the digestive organs (vomiting, intestinal colic, abdominal pain).

Treatment of addiction to baclofen

consultation with a narcologist at home and in a hospital

removal of withdrawal symptoms

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Baclofen drug. Effect of unauthorized use

Baclofen is widely used in the criminal environment. The effect of the drug on the central nervous system, which is manifested by a decrease in the reactivity of nervous processes, explains the use of the drug to achieve the effect of euphoria. The drug has a pronounced sedative effect, increases adaptation to stress factors. The systematic use of the remedy leads to:

• resistance to stress factors;
• cheer up;
• achieve the effect of euphoria.

Balcofen. Consequences of illegal use

CNS suppression is often negative and can lead to irreversible consequences:

• heart failure;
• stop spontaneous breathing;
• disorders of the nervous regulation of vital organs;
• the appearance of malignant tumors in the central and peripheral nervous system.

In addition, a significant excess of dosages recommended by specialists leads to negative consequences from taking Baclofen tablets. Side effects at high doses:

• gastrointestinal bleeding;
• severe intoxication;
• acute renal or hepatic insufficiency;
• memory problems;
• loss of consciousness;
• acute heart failure;
• convulsions that are difficult to control.

These negative reactions are due to the action of Baclofen on nerve cells. Overdose develops quickly enough. This is due to the specific effect of the main drug on nerve receptors. This condition requires urgent specialized care to prevent negative consequences and death.

Only in the conditions of a specialized clinic can one get rid of the biochemical and psycho-emotional dependence on baclosan and its derivatives.

Call 8 (495) 150-85-96

Baclofen – description of the substance, pharmacology, use, contraindications, formula

Contents

• Structural formula

• Russian name

• English title

• Latin name

• chemical name

• Gross formula

• Pharmacological group of the substance Baclofen

• Nosological classification

• CAS code

• pharmachologic effect

• Characteristic

• Pharmacology

• Application of the substance Baclofen

• Contraindications

• Application restrictions

• Use during pregnancy and lactation

• side effects of baclofen

• Interaction

• Overdose

• Dosage and administration

• Precautionary measures

• Trade names with the active ingredient Baclofen

Structural formula

Russian name

Baclofen

English name

Baclofen

Latin name

Baclophenum ( th generation Baclopheni)

Chemical name

beta-(Aminomethyl)-4-chlorobenzenepropanoic acid

General formula

C ₁₀ H ₁₂ ClNO 9 0205 2

Pharmacological group of the substance Baclofen

Drugs affecting neuromuscular transmission

Nosological classification

ICD-10 code list

• C72. 0 Spinal cord

• D43.4 Spinal cord

• F10.2 Alcohol dependence syndrome

• G03.9 Meningitis, unspecified

• G12. 2 Motor neuron disease

• G35 Multiple sclerosis

• G80 Infantile cerebral palsy

• G95.0 Syringomyelia and syringobulbia

• G95. 9 Disease of spinal cord, unspecified

• I64 Stroke, not specified as haemorrhage or infarction

• R25.2 Convulsions and spasm

• S06 Intracranial injury

• T09. 3 Injury of spinal cord, level unspecified

CAS code

1134-47-0

Pharmacological action

Pharmacological action –

antispastic , muscle relaxant .

Characteristics

Muscle relaxant of central action.

White or almost white crystalline powder, almost odorless. Slightly soluble in water, very little in methanol and insoluble in chloroform.

Pharmacology

Stimulates GABA _B receptors, reduces the excitability of the terminal sections of afferent sensory fibers, inhibits mono- and polysynaptic spinal reflexes, which leads to a decrease in muscle tension and an analgesic effect.

When taken orally, it is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. max “> C _max is achieved in 2-3 hours. Protein binding – 30%. Passes through the placental barrier, penetrates into breast milk. Approximately 15% is biotransformed in the liver by deamination. T _1/2 – 2.5-4 hours Excreted mainly by the kidneys (70-80%) unchanged and as metabolites.

The use of the substance Baclofen

Inside: muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis, tumors and diseases of the spinal cord of infectious, degenerative and traumatic origin (including syringomyelia, motor neuron disease, trauma), stroke, cerebral palsy, meningitis , TBI, alcoholism.

Intrathecal: severe chronic spasticity with damage to the spinal cord (for example, due to trauma, with multiple sclerosis) or the brain with ineffectiveness or intolerance of muscle relaxant therapy for oral administration.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, epilepsy, seizures (history), Parkinson’s disease, psychosis, chronic renal failure, pregnancy, lactation.

Restrictions for use

Cerebrovascular insufficiency, cerebral atherosclerosis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, old age, children’s age (up to 12 years).

Use in pregnancy and lactation

Contraindicated in pregnancy.

FDA fetal category has not been determined.

Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment.

Side effects of the substance Baclofen

From the side of the nervous system and sensory organs: drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, headache, weakness, fatigue, confusion, imbalance, decreased reaction rate, mental agitation, euphoria, hallucinations, depression, nightmares, seizures, decreased seizure threshold.

From the side of the cardiovascular system and blood (blood formation, hemostasis): decrease in blood pressure, palpitations, chest pain, collapse.

From the digestive tract: aversion to food, taste perversion, nausea, vomiting, constipation / diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain.

From the genitourinary system: dysuria, enuresis, urinary retention; with prolonged use – impaired renal function.

Respiratory side: feeling of nasal congestion and suffocation, respiratory depression.

Other: muscle pain, skin rash, itching, swelling of the feet, sweating, weight gain, paradoxical reaction.

Interaction

With simultaneous use of baclofen enhances the effect of antihypertensive drugs, ethanol.

Tricyclic antidepressants increase the decrease in muscle tone. Levodopa and carbidopa increase the risk of hallucinations, confusion, agitation.

Overdose

Symptoms: vomiting, muscle hypotension, respiratory depression, convulsions, coma (after the return of consciousness, muscle hypotension may persist for 72 hours).

Treatment: induction of vomiting or gastric lavage, activated charcoal, symptomatic and supportive therapy (ventilation, maintenance of cardiovascular activity). There is no specific antidote.

Dosage and administration

Inside, intrathecally. The dosing regimen is set individually. Inside, the initial dose is 5 mg 3 times a day, then the dose is increased every 3 days until the optimal therapeutic effect is achieved (usually up to 30-75 mg / day). In patients over 65 years of age, the dose should be increased with caution due to an increased risk of side effects. The maximum daily dose is 100 mg. The dose for children is established depending on age and body weight.

Precautions

In patients with liver disease and diabetes, it is necessary to periodically monitor the activity of hepatic transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, blood glucose levels.

Baclofen should be discontinued gradually (possible hallucinations and exacerbation of spastic conditions). In the event of symptoms such as chest pain, suffocation, collapse, hematuria, depression, confusion, hallucinations, skin rash, convulsions, blurred vision, a significant decrease in muscle strength, vomiting, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Should not be used by drivers of vehicles and people whose profession is associated with increased concentration of attention.

Trade names with active substance Baclofen

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