Baclofen

Baclofen is analogue of gamma aminobutyric acid used as a muscle relaxant and antispastic. Chemically Baclofen is identified as β-(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.


Adult Dose
Dose: 5 to 30 mg
Single Dose: 18 (17.5)
Frequency: 8 hourly
Route: PO
Instructions: Increase Dose Gradually. Max. Dose 100 mg/day
Neonatal
Dose: 2.5 to 5 mg/kg
Single Dose: 3.8 (3.75)
Frequency: 8 hourly
Route: oral
Instructions: Gradually increase the dose
Paedriatic
Dose: 2.5 to 6 mg/kg
Single Dose: 4.2 (4.25)
Frequency: 8 hourly
Route: Oral
Instructions: Gradually increase the dose
Characteristics
. It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Benzenepropanoic acid. It belongs to GABA-B agonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Muscle Relaxants and Antipsychotic Agent pharmacological group.The Molecular Weight of Baclofen is 232.00. Its pKa is 3.85, 9.25.
Contraindications
Baclofen is contraindicated in conditions like Epilepsy,Rheumatoid arthritis,Muscular spasm,Bladder sphincter hypertonia.
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.
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.'
Interactions
Baclofen is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAlcoholEnhanced sedative effects when Baclofen given with Alcohol.CaptoprilEnhanced hypotensive effects when Baclofen given with ACE inhibitors (e.g Captopril)DiazepamEnhanced sedative effects when Baclofen given with anxiolytics and hypnotics (e.g Diazepam).DiazoxideEnhanced hypootensive effect when Diazoxide given with Baclofen.LithiumEffects of muscle relaxants (e.g Baclofen) enhanced by Lithium; Baclofen possibly aggravates hyperkinesis caused by lithium. LofexidineTheoretical potential for BACLOFEN increasing the HYPOTENSIVE effect of LOFEXIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE. ModerateLoprazolamTheoretical potential for BACLOFEN increasing the SEDATIVE effect of LOPRAZOLAM. ModerateMethyldopaEnhanced hypotensive effect when Baclofen given with Methyldopa.MetyrosineTheoretical potential for BACLOFEN increasing the HYPOTENSIVE effect of METIROSINE. ModeratePerindoprilTheoretical potential for BACLOFEN increasing the HYPOTENSIVE effect of Perindopril Erbumine.ModeratePhenylalanineThe absorption of baclofen may be reduced by phenylalanine.PioglitazoneQuinidineEffects of muscle relaxants enhanced by Quinidine.Major These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Interfrence
Risks
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.
Storage
Tab Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C. Protect from Moisture and Heat.
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.
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