Baclin Tablets 10Mg (1 Strip = 10 Tablets)

Requires Prescription (YES/NO)

Yes

Generics

Baclofen

Used For

Muscle Relaxant

How it works

Baclofen is an antispastic agent acting at the spinal level. A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) derivative, chemically unrelated to other antispastic agents. Baclofen depresses monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflex transmission, probably by stimulating the GABAB-receptors. This stimulation in turn inhibits the release of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate. Neuromuscular transmission is unaffected by baclofen.The major benefits of baclofen stem from its ability to reduce painful flexor spasms and spontaneous clonus thereby facilitating the mobility of the patient, increasing their independence and helping rehabilitation.Baclofen also exerts an antinociceptive effect. General well being is often improved and sedation is less often a problem than with centrally acting drugs. Baclofen stimulates gastric acid secretion .

Dosage

Baclofen

Side Effects

• Drowsiness • sleepiness • feeling sick • dry mouth • headache, dizziness or light-headedness • fatigue • excessively weak limbs or feeling tired and exhausted, aching muscles • unsteadiness, trembling or other problems with muscle control • confusion, depression • mood changes with extreme excitement, • hallucinations (seeing or feeling or hearing things that are not really there) or nightmares, • low blood pressure (fainting) • stomach upset including retching, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation • sleeplessness • skin rash, excessive sweating .

Drug Interactions

• Other medicines to relax muscles e.g. tizanidine • Medicines to treat mood disorders such as lithium or tricyclic depressants such as amitriptyline • Medicines for high blood pressure e.g. diltiazem • Medicines which affect the kidney, e.g. ibuprofen • Medicines for Parkinson’s disease e.g. levodopa and carbidopa • Medicines which slow down the nervous system, such as anti-histamines (e.g. promethazine), sedatives (e.g. temazepam), opiates for pain relief (e.g. morphine, fentanyl) and anti-epileptic medicines (e.g. carbamazepine).

Indication

It is used to reduce and relieve the excessive tension in your muscles (spasms) occurring in various illnesses such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular accidents, spinal cord diseases and other nervous system disorders.

When not to Use

Do not take Baclofen: • If you are allergic to baclofen or any of the other ingredients of this medicine . Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, itching and swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue • If you have ever had a stomach ulcer.

Precaution

Porphyria, history of alcoholism, hypertension, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, depressive or manic disorders, confusional states or Parkinson's disease may be exacerbated by treatment with baclofen. Patients suffering from these conditions should therefore be treated cautiously and kept under close surveillance.

Warning 1

Baclofen may also exacerbate epileptic manifestations but can be employed provided appropriate supervision and adequate anticonvulsive therapy are maintained.

Warning 2

Baclofen should be used with caution in patients suffering from cerebrovascular accidents or from respiratory or hepatic impairment .

Warning 3

Cases of misuse, abuse and dependence have been reported with baclofen. Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of substance abuse and the patient should be monitored for symptoms of baclofen misuse, abuse or dependence e.g. dose escalation, drug-seeking behaviour, development of tolerance.

Pregnancy category

Always consult your physician before using any medicine.

Storage (YES/NO)

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.