Baclofen Medicines

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that works on the central nervous system to reduce spasticity in conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.

Lioresal

Baclofen

$0.68 per pill

10 | 25mg

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Baclofen Active Ingredient Overview

Baclofen is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that belongs to the class of γ-aminobutyric acid type B (GABA_B) receptor agonists. In Australia it is listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) register for the treatment of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, spinal-cord injury, and other neurologic conditions. By binding to GABA_B receptors in the spinal cord, baclofen dampens reflex arcs and reduces excessive muscle tone, providing relief from stiffness and painful spasms. The drug is marketed worldwide under brand names such as Lioresal and Gablofen, and generic tablets are widely available through our online pharmacy. Off-label, baclofen has been explored for persistent hiccups and as an adjunct in alcohol-dependence programs, though these uses are not formally approved. Understanding its mechanism, dosing options, and safety profile helps patients and caregivers make informed decisions about therapy.

What is Baclofen?

Baclofen is a synthetic analogue of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA that acts as a selective agonist at GABA_B receptors. The TGA of Australia approved the medication in 1994 for spasticity, and subsequent updates expanded its label to include both multiple sclerosis-related and spinal-cord-injury-related muscle hypertonicity. Its core molecular action involves opening inwardly rectifying potassium channels and inhibiting calcium influx, which together suppress the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and aspartate. The net effect is a reduction in neuronal firing within the dorsal horn and a lowering of spinal reflex activity. Baclofen is sold as the prescription-only brand Lioresal, while generic tablets are marketed simply as baclofen. Both formulations are stocked by our pharmacy service, offering patients a choice between brand-name and cost-effective generic options.

How Baclofen Works

Mechanism of Action

Baclofen binds to the GABA_B receptor-protein complex on presynaptic nerve terminals. Activation triggers G-protein-mediated signaling that opens potassium channels, hyperpolarizing the neuron, and simultaneously closes voltage-gated calcium channels, limiting calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release. This dual action curtails excitatory signaling in the spinal cord and brainstem, which translates into reduced muscle tone.

Therapeutic Effects

The inhibition of reflex arcs leads to a measurable decline in spasticity scores, fewer painful spasms, and improved range of motion. Clinically, patients report smoother gait, easier transfers, and better sleep quality when excessive muscle activity subsides. Because the drug targets central pathways rather than peripheral muscles, the relief is systemic and not limited to a single joint.

Onset and Duration

Oral baclofen reaches peak plasma concentrations within 2-3 hours after ingestion. Therapeutic effects on spasticity typically become noticeable after 3-5 days of regular dosing, though some individuals experience relief sooner. The elimination half-life averages 2-4 hours, so steady-state concentrations are achieved after about 24 hours of twice-daily dosing. Extended-release formulations, where available, prolong the duration of action and may reduce dosing frequency.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Multiple sclerosis-related spasticity: Reduces muscle stiffness and improves functional mobility. (TGA, 1994)
Spinal-cord injury-related spasticity: Lowers hypertonicity and facilitates rehabilitation. (TGA, 1994)
Other neurologic spasticity: Occasionally prescribed for cerebral palsy or post-stroke muscle tone abnormalities, though these are less common in Australian practice.

Off-Label Uses

Persistent hiccups: Small case series suggest baclofen can abort refractory hiccups, but the indication lacks formal approval.
Alcohol dependence: Some trials report reduced cravings and withdrawal severity when baclofen is added to standard care; however, safety concerns keep it off the official label.
Chronic neuropathic pain: Limited evidence indicates modest analgesic benefit, but it remains investigational.

Clinical Efficacy

In a pivotal multicenter trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine (1996), baclofen produced a mean 30 % reduction in the Ashworth spasticity scale compared with placebo (p < .01). A later meta-analysis in The Lancet Neurology (2015) confirmed that 60 % of patients achieved clinically meaningful improvement in mobility scores after 8 weeks of therapy. These data underpin the drug’s position as a first-line oral antispastic agent in Australian guidelines.

Buying Baclofen from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing baclofen can be challenging for patients living in remote areas or facing long pharmacy wait times. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, delivering the medication directly to your doorstep while maintaining strict confidentiality. By sourcing from licensed international distributors that meet WHO Good Manufacturing Practice standards, we ensure each tablet matches the quality required by the TGA.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Lioresal (brand-name, 10 mg tablets) - widely recognized, often priced higher.
Gablofen (brand-name, 5 mg tablets) - available in a limited pack size.
Baclofen (generic, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg) - offers up to 45 % cost savings compared with brand formulations.

Our pharmacy service lists these options side by side, letting you select the most affordable product without compromising safety.

Quality & Safety

All shipments are vetted through partners accredited by the Australian Department of Health and the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities. Each batch carries a full certificate of analysis confirming potency, purity, and compliance with TGA specifications.

Pricing & Access

Generic baclofen tablets start at AUD .12 per 10 mg tablet, while brand-name Lioresal averages AUD .35 per tablet. Our platform applies a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, helping long-term users keep expenses manageable.

Discreet Delivery

Orders placed through our portal arrive in plain-language packaging that protects the product from light and moisture. Express shipping reaches most Australian postcodes within 7 days; standard delivery takes up to 3 weeks. Tracking numbers are provided for every consignment.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Immediate-release tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg.
Extended-release tablets (where supplied): 10 mg, 20 mg.
Oral solution: 10 mg/mL, useful for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adult spasticity, clinicians often start baclofen at 5 mg three times daily and increase by 5 mg every 3-4 days until the desired effect or a maximum of 80 mg per day is reached. In multiple sclerosis, many practitioners settle on 10 mg three times daily, adjusting based on tolerance. For off-label hiccup treatment, a short course of 10 mg three times daily for 48 hours is sometimes employed. These examples illustrate common practice; exact dosing must be individualized.

Administration Guidelines

Timing: Take baclofen with food to lessen gastrointestinal upset.
Consistency: Maintain even intervals between doses to avoid peaks and troughs.
Tapering: Abrupt discontinuation can trigger rebound spasticity or seizures; a gradual taper under medical supervision is essential.

A qualified healthcare professional should determine the precise regimen, taking into account renal function, concurrent medications, and overall health status.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness (≈30 % of patients)
Dizziness (≈20 %)
Weakness or fatigue (≈15 %)
Nausea (≈10 %)
Headache (≈8 %)

These events are usually mild and resolve within the first two weeks of therapy.

Serious Adverse Events

Seizures - rare but reported during rapid dose reductions.
Respiratory depression - may occur when combined with opioids or high-dose sedatives.
Hallucinations or psychosis - observed in a small subset of elderly patients.

Any sudden change in mental status or breathing difficulty requires immediate medical attention.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to baclofen or any excipients.
Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) because the drug is primarily excreted unchanged in urine.
Concurrent use of other GABA_B agonists without professional oversight.

Drug Interactions

CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates) - additive sedation.
Alcohol - potentiates drowsiness and dizziness.
Opioids - increase risk of respiratory depression.
Antihypertensives - may enhance orthostatic hypotension.

Patients should inform their prescriber of all over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, and recreational substances they are using.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category B3 in Australia; animal studies show no clear fetal risk, but human data are limited. Use only if benefits outweigh potential risks.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts appear in milk; monitor infant for sedation.
Older adults: Start at the lowest dose and titrate slowly due to heightened sensitivity to CNS effects.
Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment required for mild disease, but severe liver dysfunction warrants caution.

Professional evaluation remains essential before initiating therapy in any of these groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does baclofen differ from tizanidine? Baclofen is a GABA_B agonist that works centrally to inhibit reflex arcs, while tizanidine is an α-2 adrenergic agonist that reduces spinal motor neuron firing through a separate pathway. The two drugs may be combined under strict supervision, but each has distinct side-effect profiles.
How long before baclofen produces noticeable effects for spasticity? Patients generally report improvement within 3-5 days of consistent dosing, though full therapeutic benefit may take up to 2 weeks as the drug reaches steady-state levels.
What should I do if I experience persistent dizziness while taking baclofen? Stay hydrated, avoid rapid position changes, and discuss dose adjustment with your prescriber. If dizziness is severe or accompanied by visual disturbances, seek medical advice promptly.
Can I take baclofen with food? Yes. Taking the tablet with meals can minimize gastrointestinal upset and may smooth absorption, but the medication’s efficacy is not dependent on fasting.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while on baclofen? Alcohol can amplify baclofen’s sedative effects and increase the risk of respiratory depression. It is advisable to limit or avoid alcohol during treatment, especially during dose titration.
What are the signs of baclofen withdrawal? Rebound spasticity, agitation, confusion, and, in rare cases, seizures may signal abrupt cessation. A gradual taper under medical guidance can prevent these complications.
Does baclofen interact with over-the-counter pain relievers? Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) generally do not interact, but combining baclofen with other CNS depressants such as antihistamines or sleep aids can increase sedation.
Can baclofen be used for chronic hiccups? Off-label, a short course of 10 mg three times daily for 48 hours has shown success in case reports, but it should only be pursued after consultation with a healthcare professional.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing baclofen?
- Complete list of current medications, including supplements and OTC products.
- History of kidney or liver disease.
- Any prior episodes of seizures or respiratory issues.
- Specific goals for spasticity management (e.g., improved walking, reduced pain).

Disclaimer

The information provided about baclofen is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing baclofen for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing baclofen.