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Baclofen - Oral

SOURCE: www.WebMD.com and www.NationalMSSociety.org

 

 

 

 

Description

 

Baclofen acts on the central nervous system to relieve spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles caused by spasticity in multiple sclerosis.

 

 

Proper Usage

 

People with MS are usually started on an initial dose of 5 mg every six to eight hours. If necessary, the amount is increased by 5 mg per dose every five days until symptoms improve. The goal of treatment is to find a dosage level that relieves spasticity without causing excessive weakness or fatigue. The effective dose may vary from 15 mg to 160 mg per day or more.

 

Baclofen-Oral

 

Baclofen are used two different ways.  They are Baclofen-Oral and  Baclofen-IT.  Below is the Baclofen-oral expiation:

 

 

Baclofen Oral Uses

 

Baclofen, whether used orally or in intrathecal baclofen therapy, is used to treat muscle tightness and cramping (spasms) caused by certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury/disease. It works by relaxing the muscles. Decreasing spasms helps reduce pain and stiffness, improves your ability to move around, and lets you do more of your daily activities.

 

 

Oral Usage

 

People with MS are usually started on an initial dose of 5 mg every six to eight hours. If necessary, the amount is increased by 5 mg per dose every five days until symptoms improve. The goal of treatment is to find a dosage level that relieves spasticity without causing excessive weakness or fatigue. The effective dose may vary from 15 mg to 160 mg per day or more.

 

 

How to use Baclofen Oral

 

Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. In general, your doctor may slowly increase your dose to lower your chance of side effects until the right dose for you is determined.

Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Do not suddenly stop taking this drug without your doctor's approval. If you suddenly stop taking this drug, withdrawal reactions may occur. Such reactions can include seizures or hearing/seeing things that are not there (hallucinations). Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

 

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same times each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

 

It may take 1-2 months or longer to get the full benefit from this medication. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

 

Baclofen Oral Side Effects

 

Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tiredness, headache, trouble sleeping, nausea, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

 

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

 

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression, hallucinations), hearing/vision changes, seizures, fast/pounding heartbeat, fainting, black/bloody stools, skin rash or itching, severe mood changes.

 

Side effects that typically go away as your body adjusts to the medication and do not require medical attention unless they continue for several weeks or are bothersome: drowsiness or unusual tiredness*; increased weakness*; dizziness or lightheadedness; confusion; unusual constipation*; new or unusual bladder symptoms*; trouble sleeping; unusual unsteadiness or clumsiness*.

 

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, shortness of breath.

 

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

 

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

 

 

Baclofen Oral Precautions

 

If you are taking more than 30 mg daily, do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Stopping high doses of this medication abruptly can cause convulsions, hallucinations, increases in muscle spasms or cramping, mental changes, or unusual nervousness or restlessness. Consult your physician about how to reduce the dosage gradually before stopping the medication completely.

 

This drug adds to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (such as antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, prescription pain medications, seizure medications, other muscle relaxants), possibly causing drowsiness. Be sure that your physician knows if you are taking these or other medications. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.

 

Studies of birth defects with baclofen have not been done with humans. Studies in animals have shown that baclofen, when given in doses several times higher than the amount given to humans, increases the chance of hernias, incomplete or slow development of bones in the fetus, and lower birth weight.

 

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, seizure disorder, mental/mood disorders, brain disorders (e.g., stroke).

 

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

 

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, the elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood changes.

 

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

 

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

 

 

Baclofen Oral Interactions

 

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

 

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

 

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, trazodone).

 

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

 

Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with baclofen such as isoniazid (INH), phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

 

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

 

 

Baclofen Oral Overdose

 

Symptoms of overdose: sudden onset of blurred or double vision*; convulsions; shortness of breath or troubled breathing; vomiting.

 

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include severe muscle weakness, vomiting, severe drowsiness, seizures, slowed breathing, loss of consciousness.

 

 

NOTES:

 

Do not share this medication with others.

 

 

MISSED DOSE:

 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within about 1 hour of that scheduled dose. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

 

 

STORAGE:

 

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

 

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

 

 

MEDICAL ALERT:

 

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

 

Information last revised June 2008 Copyright© 2008 First DataBank, Inc.