Baclobac 5 mg (Tablet)
Medicine Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic | Baclofen |
| Company | Pharmasia limited |
| Also available as |
Indications
- spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis
- flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus and muscular rigidity
- skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders
- spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases
- cerebrovascular accidents or neoplastic or degenerative brain disease
Pharmacology
Baclofen inhibits both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level by stimulating the GABA₋B receptors, which inhibits the release of glutamate and aspartate. It may also act at intraspinal sites producing CNS depression. Baclofen also exerts an antinociceptive effect.
Dosage & Administration
- Adult & children over 10 years: 5 mg 3 times daily, preferably with or after food, gradually increased; max. 100 mg daily
- Children <10 years: Treatment is usually started with 2.5 mg (2.5 ml) given 4 times daily then raised according to requirement.
Interaction
- Increased sedation may occur if Baclobac is taken with agents acting on the central nervous system, alcohol or synthetic opiates.
- Combined treatment with Baclobac and antihypertensives is likely to increase the fall in blood pressure; therefore the dosage of antihypertensive medication should be adjusted accordingly.
- The concomitant administration of Baclobac and tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate the pharmacological effects of Baclobac resulting in pronounced muscular hypotonia.
Contraindications
Baclofen is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this product.
Side Effects
- Central Nervous System:
- Headache (<10%)
- insomnia (<10%)
- rarely, euphoria, excitement, depression, confusion, hallucinations, paraesthesia, nightmares
- Cardiovascular: Hypotension (<10%)
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea (approximately 10%), constipation (<10%) and rarely, dry mouth, anorexia
- Genitourinary: Urinary frequency (<10%) and rarely, enuresis, urinary retention
- Other: Instances of rash, pruritus, ankle edema, excessive perspiration, weight gain
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category B3. Safe use of Baclofen during pregnancy has not been established. Baclofen crosses the placental barrier. Baclofen should only be administered to pregnant women when in the judgement of the physician concludes that the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards.
Precautions & Warnings
- Lower doses (approximately 5 mg per day) should be used for patients with impaired renal function or those undergoing chronic haemodialysis.
- Patients suffering not only from spasticity but also from psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, depressive or manic disorders or confusional states should be treated cautiously and closely monitored as exacerbations of these disorders may occur.
- In patients with epilepsy and muscle spasticity, Baclobac may be used under appropriate supervision and provided that adequate anticonvulsive therapy is continued.
Overdose Effects
Gastric lavage is important in case of severe overdose.
Therapeutic Class
Centrally acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Storage Conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.