What is baclofen?
Baclofen is a muscle relaxing agent that alters the transmission in brain and spinal cord nerves. It prevents muscle contraction by reducing the messages sent by nervous system.What are the uses of baclofen?
- Muscle spasms or muscle stiffness
- Hiccups
- Pain caused by spinal cord injuries
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (off label)
- Trigeminal neuralgia
How baclofen is available?
- Tablets
- Extended-release tablets
- Granules
- Oral suspension
- Oral solution
- Intrathecal injection
How does baclofen work?
Baclofen acts on GABA receptors. It works by reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters from the post synaptic neurons thereby relieving the muscle spasms and muscle stiffness.Why baclofen is important?
Baclofen relieves pain, stiffness and muscle tightness that is caused by multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases.How baclofen helps in hiccups?
baclofen works by decreasing the excitability and inhibiting the hiccup reflexes, thereby reduces the neuronal transmission in spinal cord producing the effect.What should I need to discuss with doctor when baclofen is prescribed?
You must talk to your doctor regarding:- If you previously took this medicine
- If you are allergic to this drug, any other drugs, or any food products
- Inform your doctor about all the drugs you are taking and any other health problems you have
- Discuss with your doctor if you previously experienced any episodes of seizure or epilepsy
When baclofen should be taken?
Baclofen is usually prescribed 3 times in a day. Your doctor decides the schedule and how many times to be taken according to the best needs and your response to medicineDo not change the frequency and duration of this medicine unless it is advised by your doctor.
Baclofen should be taken at the same time every day.
Do not use this medicine on others, even if their symptoms seem similar.
How it should be taken?
TABLET:- Consume it either with food or after food
- Tablet should be swallowed with a glass of water or any other convenient liquids
- Do not chew the tablet
- Sometimes, your doctor would advise you to take half or one fourth of the tablet
LIQUID SOLUTION
- Measure the prescribed liquid doses of baclofen before administering
- Take medicine with the help of measuring device that will be given along with it
- Do not use kitchen teaspoon or tablespoon to measure the dose as it may lead to high or low dose
- Mix the solution evenly before taking
What I should I do if I omit baclofen?
Your muscles can get a little tighter if you neglect to take the dose.Consume the missed dose of baclofen after remembering it. If you remember when it is time for next dose, skip the previous missed dose and continue with the usual dosage pattern as advised by the doctor.
Avoid taking this medicine twice that leads to double dose.
Can I stop taking baclofen?
- Unless informed by the doctor, do not stop taking baclofen
- Initially, your doctor starts baclofen with small doses and increases or decreases gradually accordingly
- Your doctor enquires for the improvement in your condition and may suggest changing the dose you take, or when you take it, to get the best maximum effect
- Talk to your doctor if you feel there is no improvement in you after starting baclofen
- If your doctor does not find any improvement after starting baclofen, he may ask you to slowly decrease the dose and stop. By doing so, it would prevent you from getting any side effects
What precautions should I follow when I use baclofen?
You should be aware that baclofen makes you feel drowsy. Manage your daily activities carefully to prevent from fall and any trauma.What are the side effects of baclofen?
Every drug has their own side effects. But some may experience, and some do not have any side effects.Use of baclofen may result to certain side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms are getting worsen and do not subside.
- Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak
- Trouble sleeping
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Headache
- Constipation
What are the signs that I should consider rushing to hospital?
Although some side effects occur very rare, it needs immediate medical attention. This includes- Allergic reaction like rashes, hives, blistered/peeling skin with or without fever
- Severe dizziness or passing out
- Feeling confused
- Altered mood
- Worsening of behavioural changes
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
What foods do I need to avoid if I take baclofen?
- Avoid taking spicy foods
- High carbohydrate foods may slow down baclofen absorption
- Avoid alcohol as it increases drowsiness
What medicine should not be taken when I use baclofen?
- Narcotic pain medications
- NSAID medications
- Any medicine relaxing skeletal muscles
- Medicines that lower increased BP
- Antidepressant medication
Is baclofen pregnancy safe?
Baclofen is not recommended during pregnancy. If you take baclofen few days before labour, your baby may experience withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, seizures, drowsiness, rigidity and dilated pupil.Baclofen is not safe in breasting feeding women also as this medicine enters breast milk in small quantity which causes the baby to be drowsy.
Does baclofen affect my blood sugar levels?
Study reveals that baclofen increases blood sugar levels, but the exact mechanism is still not clear. Hence it is important to inform your doctor priorly regarding your diabetes and related health problems to prevent complications.Where should I store the medicine?
TABLETS:keep baclofen tablets at normal room temperature.
Ensure that baclofen is kept away from children reach Keep the medicine away from direct sunlight.
Do not keep the medicine in fridge
ORAL SOLUTIONS:
Some brands are stored under room temperature while some are kept in refrigerator Do not freeze the solution Protect from sunlight
Author:
1. Dr Praveen Kumar, B.Pharm, Pharm D(PB), Head Clinical Pharmacologist, Aster Hospitals, Bengaluru
2. Dr. Likitha B S, Pharm.D, Clinical pharmacologist, Aster Hospitals, Bengaluru
3. Dr C P Ravi Kumar, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Aster CMI Hospital
1. Dr Praveen Kumar, B.Pharm, Pharm D(PB), Head Clinical Pharmacologist, Aster Hospitals, Bengaluru
2. Dr. Likitha B S, Pharm.D, Clinical pharmacologist, Aster Hospitals, Bengaluru
3. Dr C P Ravi Kumar, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Aster CMI Hospital