Lioresal

What is it?

A gamma-amino-butyric acid (GAGA) derivative, available as scored, white tablets containing 10mg of baclofen marked CG and KJ. Also, LIORESAL LIQUID, a sugar-free liquid containing 5mg of 5ml. Also, LIORESAL INTRATHECAL, available in ampoules containing 50ug of baclofen per ml.

Medical Uses

Tablets and liquid, muscle relaxant, for cerebral palsy, meningitis, spasticity of voluntary muscle due to cerebrovascular accidents, head injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal lesions. Lioresal intrathecal, in patients who do not respond to tablets or liquid, for severe spasticity due to multiple sclerosis or spinal injury.

Dosage

Adults, tablets or liquid, 5mg 3 times each day to begin with, increasing by 5mg 3 times each day at intervals of 3 days, if needed, to a maximum 100mg per day. Lioresal intrathecal, usually delivered by means of an implanted pump - in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Children, all preparations, consult manufacturer's instructions.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, elderly, epilepsy, convulsions, cerebrovascular accidents, psychosis, hypertonic (abnormally increased tone or strength) of bladder sphincter, liver, kidney disorders, defective respiration, autonomic dysreflexia (severe actual or threatened response by sympathetic nervous system to drugs, in patients with spinal cord injury, producing certain symptoms), previous stomach ulcer. Tests required in patients with diabetes or liver disease and further tests needed when intrathecal preparation is being considered. Drug should be gradually stopped over 1 to 2 weeks.

Avoid Use

Stomach ulcer. Possible interactions: lithium, anti- hypertensives, morphine, tricyclic antidepressants (TCADs), depressants of the CNS, alcohol, fentanyl, levodopa, carbidopa, ibuprofen.

Known Side Effects

Sedation and drowsiness, dry mouth, disturbances of the central nervous system, pneumonia, gastrointestinal upsets, disturbance of vision, disturbances in muscle tone, low blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, disturbance/depression of the heart, lung or circulatory system, frequent and painful urination (dysuria). In rare cases, psychiatric and neurological disturbances, skin rash, deterioration in liver function tests.