gamma-Aminobutyric Acid-ergic Agonist

Baclofen

Approved 8 Jun 2023OralSuspension

The FDA lists this product in 61 strengths and forms.

Indications

Baclofen oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, particularly for the relief of flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus, and muscular rigidity. Baclofen oral suspension may also be of some value in patients with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases. Limitations of Use Baclofen oral suspension is not indicated in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders.

Baclofen oral suspension is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-ergic) agonist indicated for the treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, particularly for the relief of flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus, and muscular rigidity. ( 1 )
Baclofen oral suspension may also be of some value in patients with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use Baclofen oral suspension is not indicated in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders. ( 1 )

Contraindications

Baclofen oral suspension is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to baclofen.

Hypersensitivity to baclofen ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen has resulted in serious adverse reactions including death; therefore, reduce the dosage slowly when baclofen oral suspension is discontinued. ( 5.1 )
Neonatal withdrawal symptoms can occur; gradually reduce the dosage and discontinue baclofen oral suspension before delivery. ( 5.2 )
Baclofen oral suspension can cause drowsiness and sedation. Patients should avoid the operation of automobiles or other dangerous machinery until they know how the drug affects them. Advise patients that the central nervous system effects of baclofen oral suspension may be additive to those of alcohol and other CNS depressants. ( 5.3 )
Baclofen oral suspension can cause exacerbation of the following: psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, or confusional states; autonomic dysreflexia; epilepsy. Use with caution in patients with these conditions. ( 5.5 , 5.6 , 5.7 )

Indications

Baclofen oral suspension is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-ergic) agonist indicated for the treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, particularly for the relief of flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus, and muscular rigidity. ( 1 )
Baclofen oral suspension may also be of some value in patients with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use Baclofen oral suspension is not indicated in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders. ( 1 )

Warnings and precautions

Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen has resulted in serious adverse reactions including death; therefore, reduce the dosage slowly when baclofen oral suspension is discontinued. ( 5.1 )
Neonatal withdrawal symptoms can occur; gradually reduce the dosage and discontinue baclofen oral suspension before delivery. ( 5.2 )
Baclofen oral suspension can cause drowsiness and sedation. Patients should avoid the operation of automobiles or other dangerous machinery until they know how the drug affects them. Advise patients that the central nervous system effects of baclofen oral suspension may be additive to those of alcohol and other CNS depressants. ( 5.3 )
Baclofen oral suspension can cause exacerbation of the following: psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, or confusional states; autonomic dysreflexia; epilepsy. Use with caution in patients with these conditions. ( 5.5 , 5.6 , 5.7 )

Adverse reactions

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

Adverse Reactions from Abrupt Withdrawal of baclofen oral suspension [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]
Neonatal Withdrawal Symptoms [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]
Drowsiness and Sedation [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ]
Poor Tolerability in Stroke Patients [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ]
Exacerbation of Psychotic Disorders, Schizophrenia, or Confusional States [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ]
Exacerbation of Autonomic Dysreflexia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ]
Exacerbation of Epilepsy [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ]
Posture and Balance Effects [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ]
Ovarian Cysts [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ]
The most common (up to 15% or more) adverse reactions in patients were drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Slayback Pharma at 1-844-566-2505 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most common adverse reaction is transient drowsiness. In one controlled study of 175 patients, transient drowsiness was observed in 63% of those receiving baclofen compared to 36% of those in the placebo group.

Other common adverse reactions (up to 15%) are dizziness and weakness. Adverse reactions with a frequency of ≥1% are listed in Table 1. Table 1. Common (≥1%) Adverse Reactions in Patients Treated with baclofen for Spasticity ADVERSE REACTION PERCENT Drowsiness 10-63% Dizziness 5-15% Weakness 5-15% Nausea 4-12% Confusion 1-11% Hypotension 0-9% Headache 4-8% Insomnia 2-7% Constipation 2-6% Urinary Frequency 2-6% Fatigue 2-4% The following adverse reactions not included in Table 1, classified by body system, were also reported: Neuropsychiatric: euphoria, excitement, depression, hallucinations, paresthesia, muscle pain, tinnitus, slurred speech, coordination disorder, tremor, rigidity, dystonia, ataxia, blurred vision, nystagmus, strabismus, miosis, mydriasis, diplopia, dysarthria, epileptic seizure Cardiovascular: dyspnea, palpitation, chest pain, syncope Gastrointestinal: dry mouth, anorexia, taste disorder, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and positive test for occult blood in stool Genitourinary: enuresis, urinary retention, dysuria, impotence, inability to ejaculate, nocturia, hematuria Other: rash, pruritus, ankle edema, excessive perspiration, weight gain, nasal congestion The following laboratory tests have been found to be abnormal in patients receiving baclofen: increased SGOT, elevated alkaline phosphatase, and elevation of blood sugar.

Baclofen

Indications

Contraindications

Warnings and precautions

Two medicines in one question?

Baclofen

Indications

Contraindications

Warnings and precautions

Two medicines in one question?

5.1Adverse Reactions from Abrupt Withdrawal

5.2Neonatal Withdrawal Symptoms

5.3Drowsiness and Sedation Drowsiness

5.4Poor Tolerability in Stroke Patients

5.5Exacerbation of Psychotic Disorders, Schizophrenia, or Confusional States

5.6Exacerbation of Autonomic Dysreflexia

5.7Exacerbation of Epilepsy

5.8Posture and Balance Effects

5.9Ovarian Cysts

Interactions

7.1CNS Depressants and Alcohol

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary

Adverse reactions

6.1Clinical Trials Experience

Composition

Strengths and forms

Official product information

At a glance