Baclofen

What is it?

Composition

Baclofen is available in the form of tablets and injection solutions, which may contain various excipients depending on the form of release. The main active component is baclofen, which has the main therapeutic effect. Each tablet usually contains a certain amount of the active substance - 10 or 25 mg of baclofen, which allows for precise dosing of the drug depending on the individual needs of the patient.

In addition to the main component, Baclofen tablets also include other substances that play an auxiliary role, ensuring the stability of the drug and facilitating its absorption by the body:

• Lactose monohydrate - used as a filler.
• Magnesium stearate - serves to prevent the tablets from sticking together and improve their distribution in the body.
• Microcrystalline cellulose - helps in the formation of tablets and improves their structure.
• Potato starch - used as a binder.

How to use?

The correct use of Baclofen requires adherence to the dosage and regimen prescribed by the doctor, since the drug has a powerful effect on the nervous system. The dosage and form of release depend on the specific condition of the patient, the degree of spasticity and individual characteristics of the body.

1. Baclofen tablets are usually taken orally, starting with a low dose, which is gradually increased until the optimal effect is achieved. The standard starting dose is 5 mg three times a day, then it can be increased every three days by 5 mg until reaching 20-80 mg per day, divided into several doses.
2. When administered by injection, Baclofen is administered into the spinal canal (intrathecally) using a special pump. This method is used in cases where oral administration does not give the desired effect or causes significant side effects. The dosage is calculated individually, and the patient is under constant medical supervision.
3. It is important to strictly follow the regimen prescribed by the doctor, do not miss doses and do not change the dosage on your own. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug can cause serious side effects, including increased spasticity, hallucinations, seizures, and even delirium.

Before starting Baclofen therapy, it is important to discuss all possible contraindications and side effects with your doctor to avoid unwanted consequences.

How does it work?

Baclofen acts on the central nervous system, primarily the spinal cord, where it inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses responsible for excessive muscle contraction. The drugs main mechanism of action is associated with the effect on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), one of the main neurotransmitters that inhibits the excitation of neurons.

When administered, Baclofen binds to GABA receptors in the spinal cord, enhancing their inhibitory effect. This leads to a decrease in the activity of nerve cells that transmit signals that cause muscle spasms. As a result, the muscles relax, their tone decreases, and painful spasms are eliminated, allowing the patient to move more freely and with less discomfort.

Indications

Baclofen is prescribed for the treatment of various conditions associated with increased muscle tone and spasms, especially when these symptoms are caused by neurological diseases. The drug is widely used in neurology due to its powerful muscle relaxant effect and ability to reduce the severity of painful spasms.

The main indications for Baclofen include:

• Spasticity in multiple sclerosis - the drug helps to reduce muscle spasms and improve mobility in patients with this chronic neurological disease.
• Spasticity caused by spinal cord injuries - in cases of spinal cord injuries, Baclofen reduces muscle tension and relieves pain.
• Cerebral palsy - Baclofen can be used to reduce spasticity and facilitate movement in patients with this condition.
• Stroke - the drug is used to control spastic symptoms that can occur after a stroke.
• Other neurological conditions associated with spasticity - Baclofen can be prescribed for a variety of conditions that lead to increased muscle tone and spasms.

Contraindications

Despite the effectiveness of Baclofen in the treatment of spastic conditions, its use may be limited by a number of contraindications. Before starting therapy, it is extremely important to discuss all possible risks with your doctor and make sure that there are no contraindications for using this drug.

The main contraindications include:

• Hypersensitivity to baclofen or any of the components of the drug - if the patient has previously had allergic reactions to Baclofen or its analogues, its use is strictly contraindicated.
• Peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum - Baclofen can worsen the condition in these diseases, so its use requires caution or complete refusal.
• Epilepsy - the drug can increase the risk of seizures, especially with improper dosage or abrupt withdrawal, so it is prescribed to patients with epilepsy with caution and under strict supervision.
• Renal failure - since Baclofen is excreted through the kidneys, patients with impaired renal function may have an increased risk of drug accumulation in the body, which requires dosage adjustment or refusal to use it.
• Mental disorders - in some mental illnesses, the use of Baclofen can worsen the condition, so the appointment of the drug requires careful assessment from the doctors side.

Side effects

Like any medication, Baclofen can cause side effects that vary in severity and frequency. Although many patients tolerate the drug well, it is important to be aware of possible adverse reactions and report them to your doctor promptly.

The most common side effects of Baclofen include:

• Drowsiness - often occurs at the beginning of treatment and may decrease over time, as the body gets used to the drug.
• Dizziness - is associated with the effect of the drug on the central nervous system and may also weaken as adaptation occurs.
• Muscle weakness - a paradoxical effect that may require dose adjustment.
• Nausea and vomiting - mild gastrointestinal disorders may occur.
• Headaches - sometimes observed in patients taking Baclofen, especially in the initial stages of therapy.

Rare but serious side effects include a sharp decrease in blood pressure, seizures, hallucinations, and breathing problems. If such symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is required. In addition, abrupt discontinuation of Baclofen may result in withdrawal syndrome with severe consequences such as increased spasticity, confusion, and even seizures.