Generic name: baclofen (oral) [ bak-loe-fen ]
Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxants
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Fleqsuvy, Gablofen, Lyvispah oral granules, First baclofen
What is Baclofen?
Baclofen belongs to a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants. Baclofen is an antispasmodic agent that acts on spinal cord nerves and decreases the number and severity of muscle spasms in patients with certain conditions affecting the spinal cord.
Baclofen is used in adults and children at least 12 years old to treat certain types of spasticity (muscle stiffness and tightness) and muscle pain in people with multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury or other spinal cord diseases.
Baclofen relieves pain and improves muscle movement.
Warnings
Do not use baclofen at a time when you need muscle tone for safe balance and movement during certain activities. Baclofen may make you drowsy. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking baclofen. Alcohol can make the side effects from baclofen worse.
How should I take Baclofen
Take baclofen exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid).
Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Shake and pour the entire oral granules packet to dissolve in your mouth or swallow whole at once, with or without liquids.
You may also mix the granules with liquids (milk, or apple juice) or soft food (apple sauce, yogurt, or pudding).
The oral granules can also be given through a feeding tube. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using baclofen suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.
Store the oral suspension (liquid) at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw Fleqsuvy away after 2 months of first opening.
Store Ozobax in the refrigerator, do not freeze.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Spasticity:
Oral:
-Initial dose: The following gradually increasing dosage regimen is suggested, but should be adjusted to suit individual patient requirements: 5 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 10 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 15 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 20 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days
-Maintenance dose: Should be individualized.
-Maximum dose: 80 mg/day (20 mg orally 4 times a day).
Usual Pediatric Dose for Spasticity:
12 years and older:
Oral:
-Initial dose: The following gradually increasing dosage regimen is suggested, but should be adjusted to suit individual patient requirements: 5 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 10 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 15 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days, then 20 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days
-Maintenance dose: Should be individualized.
-Maximum dose: 80 mg/day (20 mg orally 4 times a day)
Comments:
-The lowest dose compatible with an optimal response is recommended.
-Slowly withdraw therapy if benefits are not evident after a reasonable period.
Before Taking
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to baclofen.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
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mental illness or psychosis;
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epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
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problems with balance;
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cerebral palsy;
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Parkinson's disease;
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schizophrenia or a confused state;
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high blood pressure, or fast heart rate;
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a rheumatic disease;
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a stroke or blood clot; or
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kidney disease.
Using baclofen may increase your risk of developing an ovarian cyst. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If you take baclofen while pregnant or breastfeeding, withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, stiff muscles, or seizure may occur in the baby.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include increasing drowsiness, dizziness, sleepiness, trouble focusing on objects, shallow breathing, seizure, or muscle weakness leading to loss of consciousness.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store the oral solution in the refrigerator.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What should I avoid while using Baclofen?
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how baclofen will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Baclofen side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to baclofen: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Baclofen may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe drowsiness, breathing problems;
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confusion, hallucinations;
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muscle weakness, itching, tingling, or twitching in your hands, arms, feet, or legs; or
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fever.
Common baclofen side effects may include:
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drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, or tiredness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See more: Baclofen Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Baclofen?
Using baclofen with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with baclofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.