Baclofen
Generic Name: Baclofen
Brand Name: Baclofen, Kemstro, Lioresal Intrathecal (baclofen injection)
Indications
Baclofen is indicated for reducing the signs and symptoms of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, particularly for the relief of flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus, and muscular rigidity.
Baclofen may also be indicated for patients with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases.
Dosage and Administration
Baclofen / Kemstro are available as 10mg and 20mg tablets.
Lioresal Intrathecal (baclofen injection) is available in single use ampules of 10 mg/20 ml (500 mcg/ ml) or 10 mg/ 5 ml (2000 mcg/ml) or 40 mg/20ml (2000 mcg/ml).
Baclofen / Kemstro Tablets
Normal dosage: The medication is initiated with a lower dose and increased gradually until optimum effect is achieved which can be 40 – 80 mg daily.
Overdose?
Some of the over dosage symptoms are vomiting, muscular hypotonia, drowsiness, accommodation disorders, coma, respiratory depression, and seizures.
Lioresal Intrathecal (baclofen injection)
Normal dosage: Prior to initiation of the medication, the patients should demonstrate a positive clinical response to a LIORESAL INTRATHECAL bolus dose administered intrathecally in a screening trial. The screening trial employs Lioresal Intrathecal at a concentration of 50mcg/ml and monitored for 4 to 8 hours. A positive response consists of a significant decrease in muscle tone and/or frequency and/or severity of spasms. If the initial response is less than desired, a second bolus injection may be administered 24 hours after the first. The second screening bolus dose consists of 75mcg in 1.5 ml. Again, the patient should be observed for an interval of 4 to 8 hours. If the response is still inadequate, a final bolus screening dose of 100 mcg in 2 ml may be administered 24 hours later.
To determine the initial total daily dose of LIORESAL INTRATHECAL following implant, the screening dose that gave a positive effect should be doubled and administered over a 24-hour period, unless the efficacy of the bolus dose was maintained for more than 8 hours, in which case the starting daily dose should be the screening dose delivered over a 24-hour period. No dose increases should be given in the first 24 hours.
Drug Description
The chemical name of Baclofen is 4-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-butanoic acid.
Baclofen USP is a white to off-white, odorless or practically odorless crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water, very slightly soluble in methanol, and insoluble in chloroform. The structural formula is represented below:
Chemical Formula: C10H12ClNO2
Molecular Weight: 213.66
Side Effects
The most common side effects observed are transient drowsiness, headache, depression, muscle pain slurred speech, nausea, constipation.
Precautions
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Baclofen may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking this medication.
- Safe use of baclofen in pediatric patients under age 12 has not been established.
- Baclofen should be used with caution where spasticity is utilized to sustain upright posture and balance in locomotion or whenever spasticity is utilized to obtain increased function.
Drug Interactions
- The use of baclofen and tricyclic antidepressants may increase the effects of baclofen, resulting in pronounced muscular hypotonia.
- The concurrent use of MAO inhibitors and baclofen may result in increased CNS depressant effects.
- Isolated cases of increased blood glucose concentrations have reported with baclofen.
