$Unique_ID{BRK01844}
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$Title{BACLOFEN}
$Subject{Lioresal (Geigy)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


BACLOFEN
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Lioresal (Geigy)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Muscle relaxant
INGREDIENT:
     baclofen
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (10 mg and 20 mg)
STORAGE:
     Baclofen should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     This medication is used to relieve muscle spasms.  It is unclear exactly
how baclofen works to relieve spasticity, but it is known that the drug acts
on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

TREATMENT

     Baclofen can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or a full
glass of milk or water.
     If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within an hour, take
the missed dose immediately.  If more than an hour has passed, do not take the
missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not
double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth,
fatigue, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, nasal congestion, vomiting, or
weight gain.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or lying position, and be careful on stairs.
     To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a
piece of hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain, confusion, convulsions, depression, fainting, false sense of
wellbeing, hallucinations, muscle pain, palpitations, ringing in the ears,
slurred speech, tremors, or visual disturbances.

INTERACTIONS

     Baclofen interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of baclofen with other central nervous system
depressants (such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine
tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine
tranquilizers, and sleeping medicines) or with tricyclic antidepressants can
lead to extreme drowsiness.
     2. The dosage of oral antidiabetic medications may need to be altered
when baclofen is started.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Be sure to tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you
have had to any drugs, especially to baclofen.  Before starting to take
baclofen, be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had
diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, kidney disease, mental disorders, or a stroke.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid taking part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car.
     * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your
doctor.  Stopping therapy with this medication abruptly can lead to
hallucinations, nervousness, convulsions, and mood changes.  Your doctor may,
therefore, want to reduce your dosage gradually.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although baclofen
appears to be safe in humans, birth defects have been reported in the
offspring of animals that received large doses of this drug during pregnancy.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known
whether baclofen passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
