| drug name | Baclofen |
| classification | Centrally acting muscle relaxant, antispasmodic, and possibly GABAergic agent. |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Baclofen is readily absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within 1-2 hours. Absorption may be affected by food. | | distribution | Baclofen is widely distributed throughout the body, crossing the blood-brain barrier. Concentrations are higher in the central nervous system. | | metabolism | Baclofen is primarily metabolized in the liver, with only a small portion excreted unchanged in the urine. | | excretion | Excretion occurs primarily as metabolites in the urine. The elimination half-life is typically around 3-6 hours. |
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| suggested dosage | | initial | For most conditions, the initial oral dose is 5 mg 3 times daily, increased gradually every 1-2 days as needed until the optimal dose is achieved. Individual response varies widely. Monitoring for efficacy and side effects is crucial. | | maintenance | The maintenance dose range is usually 10-80 mg per day, administered in divided doses. A gradual increase in dosage over several days is important to avoid adverse effects. | | weight specific details | No specific weight-based dosage adjustments are typically needed for Baclofen in a healthy 70kg adult, however, the doctor must adjust the dosing to meet the patient's specific needs. Dosage titration is a critical part of treatment. Dosing should be individualized. |
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| indications | Baclofen is primarily used for the treatment of muscle spasticity, particularly in multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and stroke. It may also be used in some types of chronic pain. |
| safety in pregnancy | | category | C | | details | Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus. The potential risk to the human fetus is unknown. Baclofen should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Close monitoring of the mother and fetus is critical. | | consult with physician | Absolutely necessary |
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| safety in breastfeeding | | details | Baclofen is excreted in breast milk, but the amount may be minimal. The risk to the infant is considered low to moderate. Mothers who are breastfeeding should discuss with their doctor whether the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the potential risks to the infant. | | consult with physician | Strongly recommended |
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| side effects | | 1 | Drowsiness | | 2 | Fatigue | | 3 | Headache | | 4 | Lightheadedness | | 5 | Nausea | | 6 | Vomiting | | 7 | Constipation | | 8 | Diarrhea | | 9 | Dry mouth | | 10 | Difficulty urinating | | 11 | Hypotension | | 12 | Postural hypotension | | 13 | Tremor | | 14 | Confusion | | 15 | Depression | | 16 | Anxiety | | 17 | Sleep disturbances | | 18 | Seizures (rare) |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to baclofen or other components of the medication. | | 2 | Severe hepatic impairment | | 3 | Severe renal impairment | | 4 | Myasthenia gravis | | 5 | Acute angle-closure glaucoma |
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| interactions | | 1 | Alcohol | | 2 | Other CNS depressants (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates) | | 3 | MAOIs | | 4 | Lithium | | 5 | Certain antihypertensives | | 6 | Other medications that alter liver enzymes |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Dosage should be adjusted gradually to minimize adverse effects. | | 2 | Monitor for signs of depression, especially during the initial stages of therapy. | | 3 | Patients should be cautioned about activities requiring alertness (e.g., driving, operating machinery). | | 4 | Sudden discontinuation of therapy may lead to withdrawal symptoms. | | 5 | Caution is necessary in patients with a history of seizures, liver disease, or kidney disease. |
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| additional information | Baclofen should only be used under the supervision of a physician. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and report any unusual symptoms immediately. |
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