Within 72 hours, approximately 75% of the dose is excreted via the kidneys with about 5% of this amount as metabolites.The pharmacokinetics of baclofen in elderly patients are virtually the same as in patients below 65 years of age. They are often transitory and can be attenuated or eliminated by reducing the dosage; they are seldom severe enough to necessitate withdrawal of the medication.Should nausea persist following a reduction in dosage, it is recommended that baclofen be ingested with food or a milk beverage.Lowering of the convulsion threshold and convulsions may occur, particularly in epileptic patients.In patients with a history of psychiatric illness or with cerebrovascular disorders (e.g. This is a very useful feature of baclofen and makes it safe to use in patients who already have severe liver dysfunction from alcoholism or other causes. Pharmacotherapeutic group: Muscle relaxant, other centrally acting agent. Deamination yields the main metabolite, β-(p-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyric acid, which is pharmacologically inactive.The plasma elimination half-life of baclofen averages 3 to 4 hours. If too high a dose is initiated or if the dosage is increased too rapidly side effects may occur. Careful monitoring of respiratory and cardiovascular functions is essential especially in patients with cardiopulmonary disease and respiratory muscle weakness.During concomitant treatment with tricyclic antidepressants, the effect of baclofen may be potentiated, resulting in pronounced muscular hypotonia.Concomitant use of oral baclofen and lithium resulted in aggravated hyperkinetic symptoms. This site uses cookies. Baclofen may be associated with adverse effects such as dizziness, sedation, somnolence and visual impairment (See section 4.8) which may impair the patient's reaction. Careful titration of dosage is essential (particularly in the elderly) until the patient is stabilised. **Drug withdrawal syndrome including postnatal convulsions in neonates has also been reported after intra-uterine exposure to oral Baclofen.Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 60.4 (2012): 616-631. Careful titration of dosage is essential (particularly in the elderly) until the patient is stabilised. However, as the liver does not play a significant role in the disposition of baclofen, it is unlikely that baclofen pharmacokinetics would be altered to a clinically significant level in patients with hepatic impairment. confusion, disorientation, somnolence and depressed level of consciousness) have been observed in patients with renal impairment taking oral baclofen at doses of more than 5mg per day.

By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our policy on the use of cookies. dose escalation, drug-seeking behaviour, development of tolerance.Baclofen may also exacerbate epileptic manifestations but can be employed provided appropriate supervision and adequate anticonvulsive therapy are maintained. by reducing the doses given during the day and possibly increasing the evening dose).Adverse reactions (Table 1) are ranked under the heading of frequency, the most frequent first, using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1000 to < 1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1000), very rare (< 1/10,000) and Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data).Dry mouth, respiratory depression, light-headedness, fatigue, confusional state, dizziness, headache, insomnia, depression, euphoric mood, myalgia, muscular weakness, ataxia, tremor, nystagmus, hallucination, nightmare,gastrointestinal disorder, retching, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea*Drug withdrawal syndrome including postnatal convulsions in neonates has also been reported after intra-uterine exposure to oral baclofen.

Cases of misuse, abuse and dependence have been reported with baclofen. Following oral administration of single doses (10-30mg) peak plasma concentrations are recorded after 0.5 to 1.5 hours and areas under the serum concentration curves are proportional to the dose.The volume of distribution of baclofen is 0.7 l/kg. Similarly a single dose given approximately 1 hour prior to performance of specific tasks such as washing, dressing, shaving, physiotherapy, will often improve mobility.Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects, particularly in the early stages of introducing Baclofen.

Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme; website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.A deterioration in the condition may occur if various substances or drugs acting on the CNS Supportive measures and symptomatic treatment should be given for complications such as hypotension, hypertension, convulsions, gastrointestinal disorders and respiratory or cardiovascular depression.