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Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
In Canada--
Intrathecal baclofen (In-trah-THE-kal BAK-loe-fen) is used to help relax certain muscles in your body. It relieves the spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles caused by medical problems such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or certain injuries to the spine. Intrathecal baclofen does not cure these problems, but it may allow other treatment, such as physical therapy, to be more helpful in improving your condition.
Intrathecal baclofen acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to produce its muscle relaxant effects. Its actions on the CNS may also cause some of the medicine's side effects.
This medicine is delivered by a drug pump directly into the spinal fluid of your back. A doctor will surgically place the pump and monitor the dose of the medication that is delivered by the pump. The dose of intrathecal baclofen will be different for different patients and will depend on the type of muscle tightness that you have.
Intrathecal baclofen is given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For intrathecal baclofen, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to intrathecal or oral baclofen. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--This medicine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that baclofen causes birth defects and other problems during pregnancy. Before taking this medicine make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding--Oral baclofen passes into the breast milk. However, it is not known whether intrathecal baclofen passes into breast milk. This medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
Children--This medicine has been tested in children 4 years of age and older. Effective doses have not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults. However, this medicine may not be safe for children younger than 4 years of age.
Older adults--Side effects such as hallucinations, confusion or mental depression, other mood or mental changes, and severe drowsiness may be especially likely to occur in elderly patients, who may be more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of intrathecal baclofen.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are using intrathecal baclofen, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are using any of the following:
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of intrathecal baclofen. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks of treatment with this medicine. During this time, the amount of medicine you are using may have to be changed often to meet your individual needs. Make sure to keep all appointments to refill the pump. If the pump is not refilled on time, you may experience return of your muscle tightness and withdrawal symptoms including hallucinations and convulsions (seizures).
Intrathecal baclofen will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that may make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; other muscle relaxants; and anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using intrathecal baclofen .
Intrathecal baclofen may cause dizziness, drowsiness, false sense of well-being, lightheadedness, vision problems, or clumsiness or unsteadiness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, and able to see well .
Intrathecal baclofen may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Convulsions (seizures)
Less common or rare
Blurred vision or double vision; fainting; mental depression; muscle weakness; ringing or buzzing in ears; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; shortness of breath or troubled breathing
Symptoms of overdose
Convulsions (seizures); dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness; increased watering of the mouth; mental confusion; muscle weakness; nausea and/or vomiting; shortness of breath or troubled breathing
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Constipation; difficult urination; dizziness; headache; nausea and/or vomiting; numbness or tingling in hands or feet; sleepiness
Less common
Clumsiness, unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control; diarrhea; difficulty sleeping; dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position; dry mouth; frequent urge to urinate; irritation of the skin at the site where the pump is located; itching of the skin; sexual problems; slurred speech or other speech problems; swelling of ankles, feet, or lower legs; trembling or shaking
Some side effects may occur after you have stopped using this medicine. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following effects occur:
Convulsions (seizures); facial flushing, headache, increased sweating, or slow heartbeat; increased muscle spasms; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
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