NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Alcoholism (cravings & dependency), alcohol withdrawal, cluster headache treatment and prevention, cocaine addiction, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, hiccups, migraine prevention, tension headache prevention
ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Treatment of reversible spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord lesions and used intrathecally to treat intractable spasticity associated with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and other spinal disease (spinal ischemia or tumor, transverse myelitis, cervical spondylosis, degenerative myelopathy)
BRAND NAME Lioresal, Kemstro
DRUG CLASS
Skeletal muscle relaxant
DESCRIPTION
Relieves muscle spasticity by inhibiting the transmission of reflexes at the spinal cord level.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Drowsiness, vertigo, dizziness, psychiatric disturbances, and muscular weakness.
CAUTIONS
Avoid abrupt discontinuation of the drug.
Not for use in the elderly. The elderly are more likely to have central nervous system side effects at higher doses.
Should be free of infection prior to receiving intrathecal injection with this drug.
Dosage reduction may be necessary in patients with reduced kidney function.
May aggravate symptoms of psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, confusion, psychosis).
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Other drugs that cause depression of the central nervous system. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting new therapy.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Avoid alcohol
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Valerian, St. John’s wort, kava kava, and gotu kola
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category C. Baclofen is excreted into breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies it as compatible with breast-feeding.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
This drug has a black box warning regarding the abrupt withdrawal of intrathecal baclofen. Sudden discontinuation may result in severe complications, including fever, rebound/exaggerated spasticity, muscle rigidity and severe muscle and kidney toxicity, which can lead to organ failure and possibly death.
