Baclofen: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Baclofen is a muscle-relaxing medicine used mainly to ease muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis; its formal pharmacological class is not specified in the label. It can help relieve painful spasms, repeated muscle jerking and rigidity, and it is a medicine that requires a prescription in the United Kingdom.

Baclofen tablets are used to relieve spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. Spasticity means muscles become stiff or tighten involuntarily. The symptoms listed in the label include spasms that bend a limb, pain accompanying those spasms, repeated muscle jerking and muscle rigidity.

Treatment is intended for people whose stiffness can be eased enough to help them use their remaining muscle function. Baclofen tablets may also help some people with spinal cord injuries or other spinal cord diseases.

They are not indicated for muscle spasms caused by rheumatic disorders. Effectiveness in stroke, cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease has not been established, so the label does not recommend baclofen for these conditions.

Baclofen acts on signals in the nervous system that control muscle activity. It works through receptors for GABA, a chemical messenger that helps quieten nerve signals. By reducing the activity of signals involved in muscle tightening, it can ease involuntary spasms and stiffness.

This action helps explain its muscle-relaxing effects. Its effects on the nervous system can also cause drowsiness, which the label lists as the most common side effect.

The label lists oral tablets in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg, and oral granules in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg. The label lists oral solutions of 5 mg/5 mL and 10 mg/5 mL, an oral suspension of 5 mg/mL, and intrathecal injections in several strengths. The label lists a suggested tablet schedule of 5 mg three times daily for 3 days, then 10 mg three times daily for 3 days, then 15 mg three times daily for 3 days, then 20 mg three times daily for 3 days.

The label lists a usual effective range of 40 to 80 mg daily and a maximum of 80 mg daily. Treatment is adjusted individually, with gradual increases and the lowest effective dose preferred. Withdrawal is normally gradual rather than abrupt.

General pharmacy advice is to resume a missed dose when remembered unless the next scheduled dose is nearly due. In that case, the missed dose is skipped rather than doubled. Repeated missed doses need advice from a pharmacist or prescriber, because abrupt withdrawal of baclofen can cause hallucinations and seizures.

There are no studies in pregnant women. Animal studies reported effects on fetal development, and the label states that baclofen should be used during pregnancy only when the benefit clearly justifies the potential risk to the baby. Withdrawal symptoms, including increased muscle tone, tremor, jitteriness and seizures, have occurred in newborn babies after exposure to oral baclofen throughout pregnancy.

Any reduction or discontinuation before delivery needs a prescriber's plan. The label does not specify breastfeeding information; discuss this with a doctor or pharmacist.

The tablet label specifies storage at 20°C to 25°C in a well-closed container with a child-resistant closure. Keep baclofen and all medicines out of the reach of children.