Key facts about Lioresal
What is Lioresal?
Lioresal is the brand name for baclofen and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Lioresal available in?
Lioresal is available as a 10 mg oral tablet.
What is Lioresal used for?
Lioresal is a muscle relaxer that is used to treat muscle spasms related to multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.
How does Lioresal work?
Lioresal is a muscle relaxant, but experts aren’t exactly sure how it works. They believe it stops muscle spasms by calming down overactive nerves in the spinal cord.
How do I take Lioresal?
The typical dose of Lioresal for adults and children over 12 years old is 5 mg to 20 mg by mouth three times a day. Your provider will usually start with a low dose and change it based on how well the medication works for you and what side effects you experience. You shouldn’t take more than 80 mg in a single day.
Is it safe for me to take Lioresal?
Lioresal is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to baclofen.
Lioresal Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Lioresal:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Headache
- General feeling of low energy
Lioresal Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Lioresal. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Seizures
- Allergic reactions
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Lioresal
The following medications may interact with Lioresal:
- Levodopa/Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitor (Carbidopa): Worsening of the symptoms of Parkinsonism has also been reported.
- Drugs causing Central Nervous System (CNS) depression: Increased sedation may occur when Lioresal is taken concomitantly with other drugs causing CNS depression including other muscle relaxants (such as tizanidine), with synthetic opiates or with alcohol. The risk of respiratory depression is also increased
- Antidepressants: During concomitant treatment with tricyclic antidepressants, the effect of Lioresal may be potentiated, resulting in pronounced muscular hypotonia.
- Lithium: Concomitant use of oral Lioresal and lithium resulted in aggravated hyperkinetic symptoms
- Antihypertensives: Since concomitant treatment with antihypertensives is likely to enhance the fall in blood pressure, the dosage of antihypertensive medication should be adjusted accordingly
- Agents reducing renal function: Drugs or medicinal products that can significantly impact renal function may reduce baclofen excretion leading to toxic effects.
Who makes Lioresal?
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Is Lioresal safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Animal data showed that Lioresal crosses the placental barrier. Therefore, Lioresal should not be used during pregnancy unless the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
