Generic Lioresal ™ ®: Baclofen
Baclofen is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Lioresal ™ ®

Drug Class: What is Lioresal and why is it prescribed?
Lioresal (Baclofen) is a muscle relaxant. Lioresal is used to treat spasticity of the skeletal muscles and improve mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis by decreasing muscular spasm and rigidity. Lioresal also improves bowel and bladder function in some patients.

Drug Mechanism: How does it work?
Chemically, Lioresal(baclofen) is related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter in the brain, that is, a chemical that nerves use to communicate with one another. GABA released by some nerves causes the electrical activity of other nerves to decrease. It is believed that Lioresal (baclofen), by acting like GABA, blocks the nerves within the reticular formation of the brain that control the muscles. Lioresal (Baclofen) was approved Chemically, Lioresal(baclofen) is related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter in the brain, that is, a chemical that nerves use to communicate with one another. GABA released by some nerves causes the electrical activity of other nerves to decrease.

 
Dosage : How should you take Lioresal?
In adults, 5 mg of Lioresal usually is given three times per day, with the dose gradually increased to 40-80 mg/day given in divided Lioresal doses. Children ages 2 years and above are started at an initial Lioresal dose of 10-15 mg/kg/day orally in 3 divided doses with the dose gradually increased to a dose of 40-60 mg/day. Lioresal (Baclofen) may be administered with food or milk to minimize abdominal pain.
Lioresal Preparations: Tablets 10mg, 25mg.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lioresal : Use of Lioresal (baclofen) with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants--e.g. ethanol, opiate agonists such as Percocet, Dilaudid-antipsychotics--e.g. Thorazine, Stelazine, Haldol-anxiolytics--e.g. Valium, Ativan, Ambien--certain antihistamines--e.g. Benadryl, Vistaril, Tavist)--can increase CNS depression. In addition to the risk of central nervous system (CNS) depression, the use of Lioresal (baclofen) and tricyclic antidepressants--e.g. Elavil, Sinequan--may cause muscle weakness. Use of baclofen and monoamine oxidase inhibitors-e.g. Nardil, Parnate can result in greater CNS depression as well as low blood pressure. Because Lioresal (Baclofen) can increase blood sugar, doses of antidiabetic agents may need to be adjusted when Lioresal is begun.

Special information on Lioresal : Lioresal special information: Lioresal effect on Pregnancy are unknown. Physicians need to balance the benefits of the Lioresal medication with the potential risks before prescribing Lioresal baclofen during pregnancy.

Nursing Mothers : The effects of Lioresal (baclofen) in nursing infants are unknown. It is advisable that Lioresal (baclofen) not be used by nursing mothers or that infants be bottle-fed.

Lioresal side effects : The most common side effects of Lioresal (baclofen) therapy include drowsiness, weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, constipation, tiredness, confusion, inability to sleep, and increased urinary frequency.