Baclofen

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Fleqsuvy; Gablofen; Lioresal [DSC]; Lyvispah; Ozobax DS; Ozobax [DSC]

Brand Names: Canada

APO-Baclofen; Baclofen-10; Baclofen-20; Lioresal Intrathecal; MYLAN-Baclofen; PMS-Baclofen; RIVA-Baclofen

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat spasms in patients with MS (multiple sclerosis) or spinal cord problems.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

All products:

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

Infusion:

• If you have an infection.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you.
• Talk with your doctor before you use alcohol, marijuana or other forms of cannabis, or prescription or OTC drugs that may slow your actions.
• Do not stop taking this drug all of a sudden. You may have a greater risk of side effects. These may include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), seizures, high fever, stiff muscles, and feeling confused. Rarely, this can lead to organ problems and even death. If you need to stop this drug, slowly stop it as ordered by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if you have any new or worsening signs.
• If the patient is a child, use this drug with care. The risk of some side effects may be higher in children.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
• Taking this drug during pregnancy may lead to withdrawal in the newborn.

Injection:

• Talk with your doctor if this drug stops working well. Do not take more than ordered.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• Feeling confused.
• Mental, mood, or behavior changes that are new or worse.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Seizures.
• Change in balance.
• Change in eyesight.
• Chest pain.
• Muscle pain or weakness.
• Muscle stiffness.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• Change in how often urine is passed.
• Blood in the urine.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.
• Trouble controlling body movements, twitching, change in balance, trouble swallowing or speaking.
• Not able to control eye movements.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Headache.
• Constipation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Tablets:

• Take with or without food.

All liquid products:

• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this drug.
• Do not use a household teaspoon or tablespoon to measure this drug. Doing so could lead to the dose being too high.

Liquid (suspension):

• Shake well before use.
• Those who have feeding tubes may use some brands of this drug. If you have a feeding tube, be sure you know if your brand can be used. Take as you have been told. Flush the feeding tube after this drug is given.

Oral granules:

• You may put this drug right into your mouth. The granules will dissolve in the mouth or you can swallow them. If needed, this drug can also be mixed in liquids or soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding. Mix 1 packet in up to 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of liquid or soft food. If your dose is more than 1 packet, mix each packet by itself. Take this drug within 2 hours after mixing.
• Those who have feeding tubes may use this drug. Use as you have been told. Flush the feeding tube after this drug is given.

Infusion:

• It is given into the spine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

All oral products:

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Infusion:

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Tablets:

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• If you split the tablets, you may need to throw them away after a certain amount of time. Be sure you know how long you can store the split tablets. If you are not sure, call the pharmacist.

Liquid (solution):

• Some brands of this drug are stored in the refrigerator. Some brands are stored at room temperature. Ask your pharmacist how to store this drug.
• Do not freeze.
• Protect from light.

Liquid (suspension):

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Throw away any unused portion 2 months after opening.

Oral granules:

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

Infusion:

• If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

All products:

• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-06-28

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