Baclofen
Baclofen Information

About Baclofen

Baclofen is analogue of gamma aminobutyric acid used as a muscle relaxant and antispastic. Chemically Baclofen is identified as ß-(aminomethyl)-p-chlorohydrocinnamic acid. It relaxes muscles and relieves pain and discomfort due to certain nerve disorders. Baclofen is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, spinal cord diseases etc. Administered orally.

Indications

Baclofen is primarily indicated in conditions like Hiccup due to gastric distension in palliative care, Hiccup in palliative care, Male hypersexuality, Muscle spasm in palliative care, Parkinson's disease (but not drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms), Spasticity, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Hiccup, Neurogenic bladder, Refractory trigeminal neuralgia.

Contraindication

Baclofen is contraindicated in conditions like Epilepsy,Rheumatoid arthritis,Muscular spasm,Bladder sphincter hypertonia.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Baclofen, which give rise to further complications include Hallucinations, Allergic reactions, Personality disturbances.Baclofen produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Major seizures. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Baclofen therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Baclofen include Bradycardia, Hypotension, Unconsciousness, Respiratory depression, Loss of reflexes, Hypotonia, Pupillary changes, Hypothermia, Myoclonus, Major seizures, Retrograde amnesia.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Baclofen are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness, Fatigue, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dyspnea, Blurred vision, Confusion, Lethargy, VertigoX, Sedation.

Warnings

Baclofen should be used with caution in patients with medical history especially of diabetes, kidney problems, seizures, psychiatric or brain disorders (e.g. stroke), ulcers and of any drug allergy. Because this drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness, use with caution while driving or performing tasks that require alertness. Limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the drowsiness or dizziness effects of this drug. It should be used with caution in elderly patients. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.