Baclofen



 
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Baclofen - Basic Information

 

Indication of Baclofen (Terry White Chemists):

Baclo may be used in the suppression of muscle spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis. It may also be used in the management of patients with spinal cord lesions of traumatic, infective, degenerative and malignant origins, which may have caused muscle and bladder dysfunction.

Action of Baclofen (Terry White Chemists):

Baclo is an antispastic agent that acts on the spinal cord. It also acts as a central nervous system depressant. It depresses monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflex transmission, most likely due to the stimulation on GABAB receptors which inturn inhibit the release of excitatory amino acids (e.g. glutamate and aspartate) - hence lessening nerve impulses to muscles in spasm. Baclo also has an antinociceptive effect (pain relief) however the mechanism by which this occurs is not yet known.

Dose Advice of Baclofen (Terry White Chemists):

Small doses should be initially administered, which gradually increase in a stepwise manner according to the patients symptoms. Baclo should be taken with meals and a glass of water. Treatment usually involves 3 divided doses daily and initially doses should be in the range of 5mg three times daily. The dose is subsequently increased by 5mg three times daily every 3 days or until the desired response is achieved Optimum dosage range is usually 30-75mg daily, however the daily dosage should be individually tailored to the patient according to their requirements.

Schedule of Baclofen (Terry White Chemists):

S4

Common side effects of Baclofen (Terry White Chemists):

Mainly occur at the start of treatment and may be due to a rapidly increased dosage, a too large dose or due to the patients other health problems (e.g. kidney failure) These all can be alleviated by reducing the dose. Some side effects may include: paradoxical increase in spasticity lowered blood pressure nausea constipation diarrhoea vomiting dryness of mouth muscle pain muscle weakness sedation and drowsiness headache mental confusion insomnia euphoria visual disturbances increased sweating skin rash pain on urinating increase urine frequency

Uncommon side effects of Baclofen (Terry White Chemists):

psychiatric disturbances abnormal heart rhythms shortness of breath palpitations chest pain ankle swelling abdominal pain liver disorders numbness joint pain blackouts or short fainting spells taste disturbances urine retention impotence blood in urine nasal congestion weight gain

Diseases treated by Baclofen (Terry White Chemists):

Trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux)


GN: Baclofen

Con: Multiple Sclerosis