Description
Baclin Tablets 10mg (1 Strip = 10 Tablets) Specification
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 .
Usage And Safety
Dosage
Adults : The recommended dose is 5 mg Baclofen (half a tablet) 3 times a day for 3 days, then – 10 mg Baclofen (1 tablet) 3 times a day for the next 3 days, then – 15 mg Baclofen (one and half tablets) 3 times a day for 3 days, then – 20 mg Baclofen (2 tablets) 3 times a day for the next 3 days. The maximum daily dose is 100 mg except if you are in hospital when a higher dose may be used. Children: Children’s treatment usually starts with a very low dose (approximately 0.3 mg/kg/day), in 2-4 divided doses (preferably in 4 doses). The dosage is then gradually increased until it becomes sufficient for the child’s individual requirements, this may be between 0.75 and 2 mg/kg body weight. The total daily dose should not exceed a maximum of 40 mg/day in children below 8 years of age. In children over 8 years of age a maximum daily dose of 60 mg/day may be given . OR As directed by your physicians.
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.
Precautions
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.
Warnings
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.
Additional Information
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.
