Drugs & Vitamins

Baclofen Injection Active Ingredients: Baclofen Injection Representative Names: Lioresal Injection What is baclofen injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with baclofen? What side effects may I notice from receiving baclofen? What should I watch for while taking baclofen? Where can I keep my medicine? What is baclofen injection? (Back to top) BACLOFEN (Lioresal®) is a muscle relaxant. It relieves spasms and cramping of muscles in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, or those caused by injury to the spinal cord. Generic baclofen injections are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) 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 use this medicine? (Back to top) Baclofen is only for injection into the space around the spinal cord. It can be given by a health care professional in a clinic or hospital setting. Patients can also have a pump implanted into their back to maintain a continuous infusion. Make sure to contact your prescriber or health care professional immediately if you have any questions or problems with your infusion pump. 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? (Back to top) It is important to keep your appointments to refill your pump. If you cannot make your appointment, contact your health care provider to make other arrangements. What drug(s) may interact with baclofen? (Back to top) •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 receiving baclofen? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) It may take several days of treatment before you see the full effects of baclofen. Do not suddenly stop taking baclofen. Contact your health care provider immediately if you notice any problems with your catheter (especially if it becomes disconnected), low volume in the pump, or low battery level. If you suddenly stop taking or receiving baclofen for any reason, you may develop serious side effects; therefore, the dose must be slowly reduced to avoid side effects. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately: increased spasticity, itching, low blood pressure (fainting spells, increased dizziness), or pain, tingling, or burning in hands or feet. 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? (Back to top) This does not apply. Baclofen injection is only given in a hospital or clinic setting or by a home health care professional. Last Updated:09/12/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.