Baclon 10 mg

Description

Indications
Baclon is prescribed for the treatment of:

• Spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis
• Flexor spasms, associated pain, clonus, and muscle rigidity
• Skeletal muscle spasms related to rheumatic conditions
• Spinal cord injuries and other spinal disorders
• Post-cerebrovascular accidents or neurodegenerative brain conditions
  Use only as directed by a registered medical professional.

Pharmacology
Baclofen works by inhibiting both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal cord level. It activates GABAB receptors, reducing the release of neurotransmitters like glutamate and aspartate, leading to reduced nerve excitability. Baclofen may also have an effect on the central nervous system (CNS), inducing CNS depression. Additionally, Baclofen has an antinociceptive (pain-relieving) effect.

Dosage & Administration

• Adults & children over 10 years: Begin with 5 mg three times daily, preferably with or after meals. The dosage can be gradually increased, with a maximum daily dose of 100 mg.
• Children under 10 years: The initial dose is typically 2.5 mg (2.5 ml) four times a day, adjusted according to the patient’s needs. The daily maintenance doses for children are as follows:
  • 12 months to 2 years: 10-20 mg (10-20 ml)
  • 2 to 6 years: 20-30 mg (20-30 ml)
  • 6 to 10 years: 30-60 mg (30-60 ml)
    Always follow the advice of a registered healthcare professional.

Interaction

• Taking Baclon with other CNS-depressant medications, alcohol, or synthetic opioids can increase sedation and may lead to respiratory depression.
• Baclon can enhance the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive drugs, and dosage adjustments of these medications may be necessary.
• Concurrent use of Baclon with tricyclic antidepressants may intensify Baclon’s effects, potentially causing increased muscle weakness.
• Patients with Parkinson’s disease treated with Baclon in combination with levodopa and carbidopa may experience mental confusion, hallucinations, headaches, nausea, and agitation.
• Combining Baclon with MAO inhibitors may increase CNS depression, so caution is advised, and doses may need to be adjusted.
• Baclon may interact with magnesium sulfate or neuromuscular blockers, possibly leading to enhanced effects.

Contraindications
Baclon should not be used by individuals who are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Side Effects
Common side effects include:

• Transient drowsiness, daytime sedation, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness.
  Central Nervous System: Headache, insomnia, and rarely, symptoms like euphoria, excitement, depression, confusion, hallucinations, muscle pain, tinnitus, slurred speech, tremors, and seizures.
  Cardiovascular: Hypotension, occasional dyspnea, chest pain, palpitations, and fainting.
  Gastrointestinal: Nausea, constipation, and less commonly, dry mouth, anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  Genitourinary: Increased frequency of urination, and rarely, urinary retention, impotence, and changes in urine patterns.
  Other: Rash, itching, ankle swelling, excessive sweating, weight gain, nasal congestion, visual disturbances, liver function issues, and in some cases, increased spasticity. Muscle weakness may occur, but adjusting the dosage typically helps manage it.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Baclofen is categorized as Pregnancy Category B3. Its safety during pregnancy has not been fully established, as it can cross the placenta. It should be used during pregnancy only when the benefits outweigh the risks, as determined by a physician.
• Baclofen is excreted into breast milk, but the amounts are so minimal that it is unlikely to cause adverse effects in nursing infants.

Precautions & Warnings

• In patients with impaired kidney function or those undergoing hemodialysis, lower doses (approximately 5 mg daily) are recommended.
• Patients with psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, depression, or confusion should use Baclon with caution, as it may exacerbate these conditions.
• For patients with epilepsy, Baclon should be used under medical supervision and only if anticonvulsant therapy is continued, as it may lower the seizure threshold.
• Baclon should be used carefully in individuals with a history of peptic ulcers, cerebrovascular disease, or hepatic, renal, or respiratory failure.
• Patients with cardiopulmonary disease and respiratory muscle weakness should be monitored closely for any respiratory and cardiovascular complications.
• Baclon may improve neurogenic disturbances affecting bladder emptying but should be used cautiously in patients with pre-existing urinary sphincter hypertonia.
• Baclon has shown limited benefits for stroke patients and poor tolerance among them.

Overdose Effects
In the case of severe overdose, gastric lavage should be performed immediately.

Therapeutic Class
Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants.

Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.