Other Brands/Names

Lioresal, Falcofen.

How It Works

Baclofen works on the spinal cord by relaxing muscles, thereby reducing the severity of spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. It also helps ease pain and improves muscle movement.

Indications

Baclofen is used to treat chronic muscle stiffness that occurs as a result of spinal cord disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury.

Contraindications

• History of allergy to baclofen

• Gastric ulcers (sores or inflammation caused by erosion of the stomach lining)

Side Effects

• Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, headache, difficulty sleeping, nausea, frequent urination, or constipation. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
• Seek medical advice right away if you experience serious side effects such as mental or mood changes (including confusion, depression, or hallucinations).
• Severe allergic reactions to baclofen are rare. However, get immediate medical help if you develop rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Types

This medication is available in tablets and caplets.

Dosage

• Adults: 5 mg three times daily, preferably taken with meals. The dose may be gradually increased, with a maximum of 100 mg per day.
• Children:

  0.75–2 mg/kg per day (for children over 10 years: 2.5 mg/kg per day). Maintenance therapy may start at 2.5 mg four times daily, with possible increases depending on age:

  • 1–2 years: 10–20 mg/day

  • 2–6 years: 20–30 mg/day

  • 6–10 years: 30–60 mg/day

Safety

• This medication should be used with caution as it may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing activities that require alertness until you are sure you can do so safely. Alcohol should also be avoided.
• Elderly may be more sensitive to baclofen’s side effects, especially drowsiness and mood or mental changes such as confusion.
• During pregnancy, baclofen should be taken only if clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. Newborns whose mothers used baclofen during pregnancy may show symptoms such as tremors or, in rare cases, seizures. Report such symptoms in your newborn to a doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions

• Increased risk of side effects (nausea, confusion, hallucinations, restlessness) when combined with levodopa/carbidopa.

• Greater risk of respiratory distress and reduced consciousness when taken with other muscle relaxants (such as tizanidine), synthetic opioids, analgesics, neuroleptics, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or anxiolytics.

• Risk of low blood pressure and shortness of breath increases when used with morphine.

• Risk of low blood pressure may increase when combined with antihypertensive medications.

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