| Name | Baclofen |
| Classes |
Central Nervous System Agent Muscle Relaxant Skeletal Muscle Relaxant |
| Diseases |
CNS Disorder Multiple Sclerosis Pain Painful Urination Spinal Cord Injury Stiffness |
Bangla
EnglishBaclofen
Baclofen is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that acts as a GABAB receptor agonist. The GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter system is responsible for inhibiting the release of certain neurotransmitters that cause muscle contraction and spasticity. Baclofen works by binding to the GABAB receptors, leading to an increase in the release of GABA and a reduction in the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate. This results in decreased muscle tone and spasticity, and an improvement in motor function.
Baclofen is indicated in the following conditions-
- Treatment of spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions.
- Management of muscle spasms and stiffness associated with these conditions.
- Initiate Baclofen with a low dosage, preferably in divided doses, administered orally.
- Increase gradually based on clinical response and tolerability.
- The maximum dosage is 80 mg daily (20 mg four times a day).
- When discontinuing, reduce the dosage slowly.
The most common adverse reactions associated with baclofen include
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- asthenia
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- CNS Depression: Baclofen may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment, so caution should be used when driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Respiratory Depression: Baclofen may cause respiratory depression, especially in elderly patients or those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Overdose: Overdose of baclofen may cause CNS depression, respiratory depression, hypotension, and coma.
- Withdrawal: Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen may cause withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, agitation, and muscle rigidity. Dosage should be gradually reduced when discontinuing baclofen.
- Hypotension: Baclofen may cause hypotension, especially in elderly patients or those with cardiovascular disease.
Contraindication
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to baclofen.
None known.
None known.