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baclofen (oral)
baclofen (oral)
What is the most important information I should know about baclofen?
What is the most important information I should know about baclofen?
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Do not stop using baclofen suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
What is baclofen?
What is baclofen?
Baclofen is a muscle relaxer that is used to treat muscle pain, spasms, and stiffness in people with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury or disease.
Baclofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking baclofen?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking baclofen?
You should not use baclofen if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- mental illness or psychosis;
- a nervous system disorder;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- a stroke or blood clot; or
- kidney disease.
Using baclofen may increase your risk of developing an ovarian cyst. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you take baclofen during pregnancy, your newborn baby may have withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, rigid muscles, or a seizure. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose as your due date approaches.
If you take baclofen while breastfeeding, withdrawal symptoms may occur in the nursing baby. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to breastfeed while taking this medicine.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
How should I take baclofen?
How should I take baclofen?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
You should not stop using baclofen suddenly or you could have serious or fatal withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include muscle weakness, vomiting, severe dizziness or drowsiness, dilated or pinpoint pupils, shallow breathing, seizure, or loss of consciousness.
What should I avoid while taking baclofen?
What should I avoid while taking baclofen?
Do not use baclofen at a time when you need muscle tone for safe balance and movement during certain activities. In some situations, it may be dangerous for you to have reduced muscle tone.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
What are the possible side effects of baclofen?
What are the possible side effects of baclofen?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing;
- confusion, hallucinations;
- itching, tingling, or twitching in your hands, arms, feet, or legs;
- fever; or
- a seizure.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tiredness;
- headache;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- nausea, constipation; or
- urinating more often than usual.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect baclofen?
What other drugs will affect baclofen?
Using baclofen with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may affect baclofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about baclofen.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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