Baclofen
Description
Baclofen is a ‘muscle relaxant’ used to relieve excessive tension in muscles (s
pasms) and treat diseases of the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. It is also used in topical creams to help relieve pain. It works by acting on the nerves in the spinal cord to relax muscles. By calming overactive nerve signals, it reduces muscle spasms, pain, and stiffness. Do not stop the medicine suddenly, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion, or seizures. It is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding. Also, please share details about your past medical history, including liver, kidney, or seizure disorders, as well as any other medications or supplements you are currently taking, to help prevent possible interactions or side effects.
Uses
- Relief from pain due to tension in muscles involving the nerves due to disorders of spinal cord such as damage to nerve fibers (multiple sclerosis), tumors (cancers) of the spinal cord, cysts of the spinal cord (syringomyelia), infection of spinal cord (transverse myelitis), movement disorders (motor neuron disease) or injury or compression of the spinal cord....
- Relief of pain and tension of the muscles (spasms) due to complications of the brain such as brain stroke, a genetic disorder affecting movement and muscle tone (cerebral palsy), infections of the layers of the brain (meningitis) or head injury....
Contraindications
When should one not use Baclofen
- Allergy to Baclofen or any other components of the medicine
- Stomach ulcers
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Drowsiness, feeling sleepy
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Dry mouth
- Headache, light-headedness, fatigue, excessive weakness, unsteadiness, confusion, depression, mood changes, feeling unreal things (hallucinations)
- Low blood pressure (fainting)
- Stomach upset, vomiting, loose motions or constipation, sleeplessness
- Skin rashes, increased sweating, eye and vision problems
- Difficulty in passing urine
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Baclofen during pregnancy?
A:
Baclofen must be used in pregnancy only if necessary, and no other options are available. It has the potential to harm the baby, though adequate data is not available.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Baclofen while breastfeeding?
A:
Baclofen is secreted in breast milk in tiny amounts and is advised to use while breast-feeding if it cannot be substituted.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Baclofen?
A:
You can drive while taking Baclofen, but it is safe not to drive if you experience side effects such as drowsiness, feeling sleepy, or vision problems.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Baclofen?
A:
Alcohol causes depressive effects on the brain, and one should avoid it along with Baclofen.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Liver, kidney, lung or mental disorders
- Diabetes, brain stroke, seizures
- Difficulty in urination
- High blood pressure
- Parkinson’s disease (a brain disease causing tremors and unintentional movements)
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Baclofen works by blocking the activity of nerves that cause pain in the brain and spinal cord.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Muscle relaxants (Tizanidine)
- Medicines used to treat mood disorders and anti-depressants (Lithium, Amitryptiline, Temazepam), high blood pressure (Diltiazem), Parkinson's diseases (Levodopa, Carbidopa), pain killers
- Medicines which slow down the nervous system such as opiates for pain relief (Morphine, Fentanyl), anti-allergics (Promethazine), anti-seizure medications (Carbamazepine)
Interactions with food items
Baclofen should be preferred with food or milk.
Dosage
Overdose
Unintentional overdose with Baclofen may not be harmful. But consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms like confusion, reduced consciousness, seizures, abnormal heartbeats, low muscle strength, etc....
Missed a Dose
Take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take extra medicine or double dose to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mansi Savla
B. Pharm, PharmD
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What else should I know before taking Baclofen?
A: Baclofen should not be used in all patients. People suffering a handicap (unable to move or perform a function) due to muscle tension and pain (spasm) will benefit the most from this medicine. Baclofen is not suitable for children below 33kg of weight. Baclofen must be taken with food or meal, preferably at night-time to benefit from painful night cramps. If you are performing any tasks such as exercise, walking, etc., Baclofen should be taken an hour before the task.
Q: Can I use Baclofen as a painkiller to relieve any pain?
- Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and not a pain killer. It relieves pain only in conditions that are generated due to nerve injury or involvement.
- It helps to reduce tension and stiffness of muscles inducing pain. Hence Baclofen should be used in painful conditions due to a problem in the brain or spinal cord and under medical supervision. Do not self-medicate with Baclofen....
References
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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