Indications
Baclofen is indicated for: Spasm, Spinal cord diseases, Cerebrovascular accidents or neoplastic or degenerative brain disease, Muscle spasm of cerebral origin especially infantile cerebral palsy, The alleviation of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis
Therapeutic Class
Centrally acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Description
Baclofen is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant and an antispastic agent with a spinal site of action.
Pharmacology
Baclofen is an effective muscle relaxant and antispastic agent with a spinal site of action. Baclofen is structurally similar to the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-amino-butyric acid, though its actions are different. It binds stereospecifically to GABA-B receptors. It is thought that activation of the GABA-B receptors on presynaptic terminal reduces evoked transmitter release, perhaps through reduced presynaptic Ca2+ influx. Baclofen can inhibit the function of inward calcium currents in some cells. The drug is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and is widely distributed throughout the body.
Dosage & Administration
Adult: The determination of optimal dosage requires individual titration. The following dosage titration schedule is suggested:
5 mg t.i.d. for 3 days
10 mg t.i.d. for 3 days
15 mg t.i.d. for 3 days
20 mg t.i.d. for 3 days
Thereafter additional increases may be necessary but the total daily dose should not exceed a maximum of 80 mg daily (20 mg q.i.d.). The lowest dose compatible with an optimal response is recommended.
Children: Treatment should be started at a very low dose, e.g., 0.3 mg/kg per day in divided (preferably 4) doses. The dosage should be raised cautiously at 1-2 week intervals until it is sufficient for the child’s individual needs. The usual dosage range for maintenance therapy is 0.75 to 2 mg/kg body weight per day. In children aged over 10 years a maximum daily dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight may be given.
Interaction
Alcohol and other CNS depressants may exacerbate the CNS effects of Baclofen and should be avoided. There may be increased weakness if Baclofen is given to patients taking a tricyclic antidepressant and an increased hypotensive effect if it is given to patients receiving antihypertensive therapy.
Contraindications
Baclofen is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this product.
Side Effects
The most common side effects include drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, lassitude, lightheadedness, confusion, fatigue, muscular pain & weakness and hypotension
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