Baclofen is used to treat muscle spasms caused by
certain conditions (such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord
injury/disease). It works by helping to relax the muscles.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking baclofen and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day. To reduce your risk of side
effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose
and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions
carefully.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If your
liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each
dose.
If you are taking the granules form of this medication,
gently shake the packet before use. Open the packet and empty the entire
contents of the packet into your mouth and swallow. You may drink water
after swallowing the granules if needed. You may also mix the contents of
each packet with 1 tablespoonful (15 milliliters) of soft food or liquid
(such as yogurt, applesauce, pudding, milk, or apple juice). After mixing,
take all of the mixture within 2 hours. If you are using more than 1
packet, mix each packet in a separate amount of soft food or
liquid.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than
prescribed.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not
stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions
may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. If you suddenly stop
using this medication, you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such as
hallucinations and seizures). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may
lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used baclofen
for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away
if you have withdrawal.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tiredness, headache,
trouble sleeping, nausea, increased urination, or constipation may occur.
If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression,
hallucinations)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking baclofen, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia)
- brain disorders (such as seizures, stroke)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially drowsiness and mental/mood changes (such as
confusion).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during pregnancy may rarely
develop withdrawal symptoms such as tremor or seizures. If you notice any
of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor right
away.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants
(such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as
cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
vomiting, severe drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing,
seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your
doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in
that case.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store the tablet and granules form of this medication at
room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the
bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Different brands of the liquid form of this medication
have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on
how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.