|
Baclofen Formulary
The following is taken from The British National Formulary (BNF), which is the drug and medicine 'bible' for doctors in the UK. I have provided definitions for any terms that are not self-explanatory.
Indications
chronic severe spasticity resulting from disorders such as multiple sclerosis or traumatic partial section of spinal cord
Cautions
psychiatric illness, Parkinson’s disease, cerebrovascular disease, elderly; respiratory impairment; epilepsy; history of peptic ulcer (avoid oral route in active peptic ulceration); diabetes; hypertonic bladder sphincter; avoid abrupt withdrawal (risk of hyperactive state, may exacerbate spasticity, and precipitate autonomic dysfunction including hyperthermia, psychiatric reactions and convulsions, see also under Withdrawal below); renal impairment; pregnancy;
Interactions
These are potentially so important, that I have provided a separate link for them here.
Withdrawal
CSM has advised that serious side-effects can occur on abrupt withdrawal; to minimise risk, discontinue by gradual dose reduction over at least 1–2 weeks (longer if symptoms occur)
Driving
Drowsiness may affect performance of skilled tasks (e.g. driving); effects of alcohol enhanced
Side-effects
gastro-intestinal disturbances, dry mouth; hypotension, respiratory or cardiovascular depression; sedation, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, ataxia, hallucinations, nightmares, headache, euphoria, insomnia, depression, anxiety, agitation, tremor; seizure; urinary disturbances; myalgia; visual disorders; rash, hyperhidrosis; rarely taste disturbances, abdominal pain, paraesthesia, erectile dysfunction, dysarthria; very rarely hypothermia
Again, so important, that there is a separate link here.
Dose
By mouth, 5 mg 3 times daily, preferably with or after food, gradually increased; max. 100 mg daily (discontinue if no benefit within 6 weeks); child 0.75–2 mg/kg daily (over 10 years, max. 2.5 mg/kg daily) or 2.5 mg 4 times daily increased gradually according to age to maintenance: 1–2 years 10–20 mg daily, 2–6 years 20–30 mg daily, 6–10 years 30–60 mg daily
Clearly, this 'normal' formulary advice regarding dose is of little or no relevance to us taking high dose Baclofen.
Return to Baclofen page.
|
|
|
