Lioresal

Generic name: Baclofen

Baclofen tablets

What are baclofen tablets?

BACLOFEN (Lioresal®) is a muscle relaxant. It relieves spasms and cramping of muscles in conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Generic baclofen tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders
• diabetes
• mental illness
• kidney disease
• recent stroke
• seizures (convulsions)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to baclofen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take baclofen tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking your medicine suddenly.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with baclofen?

• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure

Because baclofen can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of baclofen. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:

• alcohol-containing medicines
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
• herbal products that contain kava kava or valerian
• other muscle relaxants
• tramadol or other strong medicines for pain

Ask your prescriber or health care professional about other medicines that may increase the effect of baclofen.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking baclofen?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain
• difficulty passing urine or increased need to urinate
• difficulty walking or moving
• fainting spells
• increased spasticity
• mood or mental changes
• rapid heart beat
• ringing or buzzing in the ears
• seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
• seizures
• skin rash, hives
• slurred speech or problems talking
• unusual restlessness or nervousness
• vision changes (blurred vision, seeing double)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in taste
• confusion
• constipation
• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping at night (insomnia)
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• muscle weakness
• nausea, vomiting
• weakness or tiredness

What should I watch for while taking baclofen?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may take several days of treatment before you see the full effects of baclofen. Do not suddenly stop taking baclofen. You must gradually reduce the dose to avoid side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Baclofen can affect blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how baclofen affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy; avoid alcoholic drinks.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.