Baclofen is a drug to treat tension, stiffness, pain, or cramps in muscles that can be caused by: spinal cord injury or mmultiple sclerosis.
Baclofen helps relax muscles by blocking signal transmission in the central nervous system. That way, complaints can subside. Please note that this drug can not cure the underlying disease of pain, tension, or stiffness in the muscles. Baclofen should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Baclofen trademark: Falcofen,
What is Baclofen
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | muscle relaxant |
| Benefit | Relieves pain, tension, or stiffness in muscles |
| Consumed by | Children over 12 years old, adults and seniors |
| Baclofen for pregnant and lactating mothers | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Baclofen can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and caplets |
Warning Before Taking Baclofen
Baclofen should not be used carelessly. Before taking baclofen, you should pay attention to the following:
- Do not use baclofen if you are allergic to this medicine. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have stomach ulcers or ulcers. Baclofen should not be taken by someone suffering from the condition.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had digestive disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, diseases of the nervous system, epilepsy, seizures, stroke, porphyria, hypertension, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, or a mental disorder, such as psychosis.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking baclofen because it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking baclofen, as this medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking baclofen.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Baclofen
The following is the dose of baclofen for muscle relaxant divided according to the patient's age:
- Mature: The initial dose is 15 mg per day, divided into several doses. The dose can be increased gradually according to the patient's body response.
- Children over 12 years old: The initial dose is 5 mg, 3 times a day, after 3 days the dose can be increased to no more than 20 mg, 3 times a day, according to the condition and response of the patient's body.
- seniors: The dose for the elderly will be determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition.
How to Take Baclofen Correctly
Always follow your doctor's instructions and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking baclofen. Do not increase your dose, reduce your dose, or stop taking baclofen without consulting your doctor first.
Take baclofen after meals. Swallow baclofen tablets or caplets whole with the help of water. Try to take baclofen at the same time every day.
If you forget to take baclofen, ignore the missed dose. However, be sure to take this medicine at your next dose and do not double the dose of baclofen to make up for the missed dose.
Keep taking baclofen even if you feel better. Stopping baclofen suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Store baclofen at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Baclofen Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are the effects of interactions that may occur if baclofen is used together with other medicines:
- Increases risk of side effects from levodopa or carbidopa
- Increases risk of drowsiness and respiratory distress when used with tizanidine, synthetic opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, analgesics, antipsychotics, barbiturates, or antianxiety agents
- Increases risk of hypotension and shortness of breath when used with morphine
- Increase the effect of tricyclic antidepressant drugs so that it can cause hypotonia
- Increases risk of heart problems and seizures when used with fentanyl or propofol
- Worsens hyperkinetic symptoms when used with lithium
- Increases risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs
- Increases the toxic effect of drugs that affect kidney function
Side Effects and Dangers of Baclofen
There are several side effects that can occur after taking baclofen, namely:
- Dizzy
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Constipation (constipation)
- Headache
- Frequent urination
- Nauseous
- Excessive sweating
- Sleep disturbance
- Fatigue or weakness
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't get better or get worse. In addition to the side effects above, you need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Dark or bloody urine
- Faint
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Depression or other mental changes
- hallucination
- Ears ringing
