INDICATIONS
Baclofen can be used for treating spasm of skeletal muscles that induce muscle clonus, rigidity, and pain because of multiple sclerosis. Baclofen relaxes skeletal muscles, the muscles that move the skeleton (also called striated muscle). Chemically, Baclofen is related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter within the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to convey with one another. GABA released by some nerves causes the activity of other nerves to reduce. It is believed that Baclofen, acting like GABA, blocks the adventure of nerves within the part of the brain that controls the contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscle. Baclofen was approved by the FDA in November, 1977.
INSTRUCTIONS
The usual starting dose of Baclofen for adults is 5 mg thrice daily. Based on the response, the dose may be increased gradually every 3 days with a maximum of 80 mg/day in several doses.
STORAGE
Baclofen should be stored between 15°C (59°F) and 30°C (86°F). Keep Baclofen out of your reach of children.
Baclofen could cause drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, headache, seizures, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure level, constipation, confusion, respiratory depression, inability to sleep, and increased urinary frequency or urinary retention.
Abrupt discontinuation of oral Baclofen might cause seizures and hallucinations. Abrupt discontinuation of intrathecal Baclofen may result in high fever, rebound spasticity, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).
Use of Baclofen with other drugs which also depress the function of nerves may result in additional lowering of brain function.
In addition for the chance of depressing brain function, using Baclofen and tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Elavil, Sinequan) together could potentially cause muscle weakness.
Use of Baclofen and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. Nardil, Parnate) can result in greater depression of brain function in addition to low blood pressure level.
As Baclofen can increase blood glucose levels, doses of antidiabetic drugs may need to be adjusted when Baclofen is taken.
The using Baclofen by pregnant women has not been evaluated.
Baclofen may be detected within the breast milk of mothers taking oral Baclofen. No details are available on a good Baclofen within the breast milk of mothers receiving Baclofen intrathecally.
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