Baclofen

💊 What is Baclofen used for?

• •The label says baclofen oral solution is used to treat spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis. It is used especially to relieve flexor spasms, along with the pain, clonus (rhythmic muscle jerking), and muscle rigidity that come with them. The label says it may also be of some value in people with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases. It is not indicated for muscle spasm caused by rheumatic disorders.

How it works

The label describes baclofen as a GABA-ergic agonist, which means it acts on the same chemical system as GABA, a calming signal in the nervous system. The label does not explain its effects in more detail.

How it is usually taken

• •Baclofen oral solution is taken by mouth. The label says to use an oral dosing syringe to measure the prescribed amount accurately, and that these syringes can be obtained from the pharmacy. Treatment usually starts at a low dose, often split into several doses through the day, and is increased gradually based on how the person responds and tolerates it. The label says the prescription should include both the total dose in mg and the total volume in mL, because the product comes in more than one concentration. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •Oral solution, 10 mg per 5 mL (a clear, colorless liquid), supplied in 473 mL bottles

⚠️ Baclofen side effects

🛑 Who should not take Baclofen, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to baclofen. The label lists this as the only contraindication.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your prescriber if you have had a stroke. The label says baclofen should be used with caution in these patients, has not significantly benefited them, and they have shown poor tolerability to the drug.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have a history of psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, or confusional states. The label says these people need careful monitoring.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have a history of autonomic dysreflexia or epilepsy. The label says to use baclofen with caution in these conditions.
• •Tell your prescriber if your spasticity helps you stay upright and keep your balance while walking. The label says to use caution in this situation.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have kidney problems. The label says baclofen is excreted unchanged through the kidneys, so the dose may need to be reduced in people with impaired kidney function.
• •Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or plan to breastfeed.
• •The label also lists ovarian cysts as a reaction described in its warnings section, but the details are not included in the text provided.

🔀 Baclofen with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Alcohol. The label says baclofen can cause drowsiness and sedation, and these effects can add to those of alcohol.
• •Other CNS depressants (medicines that slow the central nervous system). The label says their effects can add to the drowsiness and sedation caused by baclofen.
• •Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription medicines you use. The label advises reading all medicine labels carefully.

Alcohol and food

The label says alcohol can add to the drowsiness and sedation caused by baclofen. The label does not give specific food instructions in the text provided.

🤰 Baclofen in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says that based on animal data, baclofen may cause fetal harm. In rats, oral baclofen increased the incidence of fetal structural abnormalities at a dose that was also linked to toxicity in the mother. The label says there are no adequate data on developmental risk in pregnant women. It also says baclofen may increase the risk of late-onset neonatal withdrawal symptoms, such as increased muscle tone, tremor, jitteriness, and seizure in newborns. The label says that if baclofen is continued during pregnancy, the dose should be gradually reduced and stopped before delivery when possible. Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding

The label says that at recommended oral doses, baclofen is present in human milk. The text provided is cut off before the rest of this section, so ask your prescriber or pharmacist about breastfeeding.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Short excursions to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) are permitted. The label says the product is dispensed in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label lists these possible symptoms of overdose: coma, progressive drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, somnolence, accommodation disorders, respiratory depression, seizures, or hypotonia (low muscle tone) that can progress to loss of consciousness. The label says treatment in a medical setting includes gastric decontamination and maintaining an adequate airway and breathing. Get emergency medical help right away if an overdose is suspected.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Baclofen

• Why am I being prescribed baclofen, and what symptoms is it meant to help?
• What is the safest way to measure my liquid dose with the oral syringe?
• What should I do if I think I need to stop taking this medicine? Why does the label warn against stopping suddenly?
• How will I know if the medicine is making me too drowsy to drive or do other risky activities?
• Are there any other medicines, or any alcohol, that I should avoid while taking baclofen?
• Is it safe for me to take baclofen if I am pregnant or planning to breastfeed?

❓ Baclofen: frequently asked questions