Description
Baclofen Tablets belong to the group of medicines called ‘muscle relaxants’ used to reduce and relieve muscle spasms (excessive tension in the muscles) occurring in various illnesses. Muscle spasm is the sudden involuntary contractions of the muscle, which can be painful and uncomfortable. When the nerve impulses that control the muscle movements are damaged or interrupted, it could lead to muscle spasms.
It works by inhibiting the reflexes at the spinal level and helps in relieving pain and improves muscle movements. This tablet works on the spinal cord and brain, thereby helping in maintaining muscle strength and relieving muscle spasms or stiffness. Thus it reduces muscle spasms in the conditions of multiple sclerosis (a disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord), cerebrovascular accidents (damage to the brain due to lack of blood supply), cerebral palsy (a disorder of movement, posture and muscle tone), spinal cord diseases and other nervous system disorders.
Medical Benefits
- It is used to reduce and relieve the muscle spasms (excessive tension in the muscles) occurring in various illnesses such as multiple sclerosis (a disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord), cerebrovascular accidents (damage to the brain due to lack of blood supply), cerebral palsy (a disorder of movement, posture and muscle tone), spinal cord diseases and other nervous system disorders.
- It works by inhibiting the reflexes at the spinal level and helps in relieving pain and improves muscle movements.
- Baclofen Tablets are particularly effective for relieving involuntary muscle spasms in the ankle, hip, and knee.
- It also helps in restoring muscle function; however, it is not effective for muscle spasms caused by stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or rheumatoid arthritis.
- This tablet works on the centres of the spinal cord and brain, thereby helping in maintaining muscle strength and relieving muscle spasms or stiffness.
- It is used off-label to treat hiccups or Tourette’s syndrome (a nervous problem that causes people to make uncontrollable sudden movements or sounds).
Directions For Use
- Take the prescribed dose at the same time each day.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water or milk.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
- Please take Baclofen Tablets in the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor based on specific medical conditions.
Storage
- Keep it away from sunlight.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool and dry place.
Precautions
- It may have interaction with pain killers (hydrocodone, methadone, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, morphine, fentanyl, tramadol), opiate antagonists (naloxone), muscle relaxant (tizanidine), etc.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Baclofen Tablets as it might cause increased sleepiness, drowsiness, and difficulty in concentrating.
- Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver or kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
- It should not be given to children under 33 kgs of body weight. It should be used in children above 4 years if prescribed by a doctor.
Side Effects
- Sleepiness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dry mouth
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does it cause drowsiness?
This medicine causes sleepiness and drowsiness. So, drive only if you are alert and omit driving or operating machinery if you feel sleepy or drowsy.
Does this tablet cause dry mouth?
A dry mouth could be a side-effect of it. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
Can I stop taking medicine if I feel well?
Do not discontinue it without consulting your doctor. Discontinuing medication suddenly might cause muscle rigidity, increased heart rate, changes in mood, fever, mental disorders, confusion, hallucinations, and fits (seizures). Talk to your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking it; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually.
In which conditions should I avoid using it?
Do not use this tablet at a time when muscle tone is required for safe balance and movement during certain activities. In some conditions, it may be dangerous for you to have low or reduced muscle tone. Please do not drink alcohol with it as it can cause side effects. Avoid driving or performing hazardous tasks until you know how this tablet will affect you and your reactions could be impaired.
