What is Baclofen: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Baclofen

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• How to take baclofen tablets:

  • Swallow baclofen with a glass of water.

  • Baclofen tablets are scored to allow the tablets to be divided into two different doses. Do not divide the tablet unless instructed to by your healthcare provider. A healthcare professional will show you how to split tablets.

  • Do not stop taking baclofen tablets until you talk to a healthcare provider. The doses will be gradually reduced to prevent withdrawal.

  • Store baclofen tablets at room temperature, tightly closed with a childproof cap.

• How to take baclofen solution or suspension:

  • Before measuring a dose of baclofen oral suspension, shake the bottle well.

  • Use a calibrated dosing syringe to measure out doses. A pharmacist can provide one if it’s missing.

  • Do not use kitchen measuring devices or tableware to measure doses. 

  • Be very careful when measuring out doses of the oral suspension because it’s a concentrated formula.

  • Do not stop taking baclofen oral solution or suspension until you’ve talked to the healthcare provider. To stop the medication without side effects, the healthcare provider will gradually taper the dose.

  • Store baclofen oral solution in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

  • Store baclofen oral suspension at room temperature.

  • Dispose of the bottle and any unused medicine two months after the bottle has been opened.

• How to administer baclofen granules:

  • Baclofen granules can be emptied into the mouth and swallowed with or without food or liquids.

  • Baclofen granules can also be mixed with a tablespoon of liquid or soft food like applesauce or pudding. Give the mixture within two hours of mixing it.

  • Baclofen granules can be administered through a feeding tube. Follow the Patient Instructions that come with the medicine.

  • Store baclofen granules in their unopened packets at room temperature.

• How to use a baclofen pump:

  • Read the instructions that come with the pump. Instructions will vary by device. Follow all these instructions for the care and monitoring of the pump.

  • The healthcare provider will first give a screening injection into the spine to test how well it works.

  • After a successful screening, the healthcare provider will implant a catheter into the spine in a surgical setting.

  • The pump will be filled and refilled by a trained healthcare professional in an aseptic setting.

  • You will be closely monitored in a clinic or hospital when the pump is first implanted and whenever doses change.

What to do if you miss a dose of Baclofen

• Ask a healthcare provider or a pharmacist what to do in case you forget a dose.

• Do not take a missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose.

• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Baclofen contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to baclofen.

Baclofen warnings

• Tell any healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. In particular, this medicine can worsen some pre-existing medical conditions such as:

  • Psychiatric disorders

  • Seizure disorders

  • Posture or balance problems

  • Autonomic dysreflexia (sudden, uncontrolled changes in blood pressure)

• Tell your healthcare provider if you have:

  • Kidney disease

  • Diabetes

  • Recent stroke

  • High blood pressure medications

  • A history of ovarian cysts

• Tell the healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Your healthcare provider will schedule regular appointments to check the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Stopping this medicine can cause serious withdrawal effects. Your healthcare provider will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

• For people on a baclofen pump, caregivers should know the signs and symptoms of a possible overdose and get immediate emergency care.

• A baclofen overdose can cause severe problems. Keep this medicine securely out of the reach of children, particularly the granule packets. They are flavored and sweetened, which can increase their appeal to children.

• If you experience unusual muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, or any severe side effects, get medical attention right away. 

Baclofen interactions

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and dietary supplements you are using before taking baclofen.

• Side effects of Baclofen can be worsened when combined with other CNS depressants that cause drowsiness or dizziness. Tell your healthcare provider if you’re using drugs like antihistamines, opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, sedative hypnotics, or other muscle relaxants.

• Do not drink alcohol when on baclofen treatment due to an increased risk of drowsiness.

Find more detailed information about baclofen interactions to avoid here.