Generic Baclofen

Introduction

Baclofen is a centrally‑acting muscle relaxant that is widely prescribed in the United Kingdom for the management of spasticity associated with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. It belongs to the class of γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA)‑B receptor agonists and reduces excessive muscle tone by acting on the spinal cord. In addition to its primary indication, baclofen is sometimes used off‑label for severe chronic hiccups and for certain types of muscle stiffness that are not related to a neurological disease. The active compound is baclofen itself, and the medication group is classified as a muscle relaxant.

What is Baclofen?

Baclofen is the generic version of the original brand‑name product Lioresal, which was first introduced by Meda (later acquired by Mylan). Both the brand‑name and generic formulations contain the same active ingredient, baclofen, and are considered therapeutically equivalent. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option for patients who require long‑term spasticity control.

The drug is supplied in oral tablet form ranging from 5 mg to 20 mg strengths, and, in some jurisdictions, as an intrathecal infusion for severe spasticity unresponsive to oral therapy. It is manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions by several licensed pharmaceutical companies that submit their products for approval by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

How Baclofen Works

Baclofen selectively stimulates GABA‑B receptors, which are metabotropic receptors located on presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons in the spinal cord. Activation of these receptors opens potassium channels and inhibits calcium influx, leading to hyperpolarisation of the neuronal membrane. The result is a reduction in the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and a dampening of reflex arcs that cause involuntary muscle contraction.

Because the drug acts primarily at the level of the spinal cord rather than the cerebral cortex, it provides targeted reduction of muscle tone without inducing profound sedation at therapeutic doses. Oral baclofen reaches peak plasma concentrations within 2–3 hours, and its elimination half‑life is approximately 3–4 hours, allowing for multiple daily dosing to maintain steadier plasma levels. Renal excretion accounts for the majority of drug clearance; therefore, dose adjustments are required in patients with significant renal impairment.

Conditions Treated with Baclofen

• Spasticity due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Approximately 70 % of people with MS develop spasticity at some stage, and baclofen is listed in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines as a first‑line oral therapy.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)–related Spasticity – Post‑traumatic or post‑surgical SCI frequently leads to hypertonic muscle activity. Baclofen reduces the frequency and severity of spasms, improving mobility and comfort.
• Cerebral Palsy (CP) – Though not formally licensed for CP in the UK, clinicians often prescribe baclofen off‑label to manage focal spasticity when physiotherapy alone is insufficient.
• Severe Chronic Hiccups – Small case series and systematic reviews have shown that baclofen can terminate persistent hiccups that are refractory to conventional therapies.
• Other Muscle Stiffness Syndromes – Conditions such as stiff‑person syndrome and some forms of dystonia may respond to baclofen, albeit with careful monitoring for side effects.

The therapeutic benefit in each condition arises from baclofen’s ability to attenuate reflex‐mediated muscle contraction without broadly suppressing central nervous system activity.

Who is Baclofen For?

Baclofen is most appropriate for adults who experience moderate to severe spasticity that interferes with daily activities, sleep, or pain management. Typical candidates include:

• Individuals diagnosed with MS, SCI, or CP who have persistent muscle tone abnormalities despite physiotherapy and stretching programmes.
• Patients who report painful muscle spasms that limit functional independence or hinder orthotic use.
• Adults with chronic, debilitating hiccups that have not responded to standard treatments such as proton‑pump inhibitors or gabapentin.

Baclofen may be less suitable for:

• Individuals with severe renal insufficiency (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) without dose adjustment, because accumulation can increase the risk of toxicity.
• Patients with a history of epilepsy or seizure disorders, as abrupt withdrawal can precipitate seizures.
• Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless the potential benefit outweighs the uncertain fetal risk (category B3 in the UK).

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Drowsiness – Often occurs during dose titration; may improve with gradual upward dose adjustments.
• Dizziness or Light‑headedness – May be exacerbated by standing quickly; advise patients to rise slowly.
• Fatigue – Can affect daytime activities; schedule doses to minimise impact on work or driving.
• Nausea or Gastro‑intestinal upset – Usually mild; taking the tablet with food can lessen discomfort.
• Weakness – Generalised muscle weakness may limit physical therapy progress if dose is too high.

Rare

• Dry mouth – May be managed with adequate hydration or sugar‑free lozenges.
• Blurred vision – Typically transient; should be reported if persisting.
• Insomnia – Occasionally observed during dose escalation; consider bedtime dosing adjustments.
• Elevated liver enzymes – Rarely reported; monitor liver function tests in long‑term therapy if clinically indicated.

Serious

• Severe hypotension – May occur with rapid intravenous administration (rare in oral use) or in conjunction with other antihypertensives.
• Respiratory depression – High‑dose baclofen, especially in renal failure, can suppress central respiratory drive.
• Seizures – Most commonly triggered by abrupt discontinuation rather than by therapeutic dosing.
• Hallucinations or psychosis – Rare central nervous system adverse events, more likely in the elderly or those with pre‑existing psychiatric illness.
• Withdrawal syndrome – Characterised by rebound spasticity, hyperthermia, confusion, and, in extreme cases, rhabdomyolysis. Tapering is essential when stopping therapy.

Clinically Relevant Drug–Drug Interactions

• CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, opioids, antihistamines, alcohol) – Additive sedation and respiratory depression.
• Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin) – May increase baclofen clearance, reducing efficacy.
• Renal excretion‑affecting agents (e.g., NSAIDs at high doses, lithium) – Potential for increased baclofen plasma concentrations.
• Other GABA‑ergic agents (gabapentin, pregabalin) – Heightened risk of dizziness and ataxia.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to their healthcare provider before initiating baclofen.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Starting dose – Typically 5 mg taken orally three times daily (total 15 mg/day).
• Titration – The dose may be increased by 5 mg per dose every 3–4 days, based on clinical response and tolerability. Common maintenance doses range from 20 mg to 80 mg per day, divided into three or four doses.
• Maximum recommended dose – 80 mg per day for oral therapy; higher doses are reserved for intrathecal administration under specialist supervision.

Missed dose – If a scheduled dose is forgotten and the next dose is more than 4 hours away, take the missed tablet as soon as remembered. If the next dose is due within a short interval, skip the missed tablet and continue with the regular schedule; do not double the dose.

Overdose – Symptoms may include profound drowsiness, dizziness, respiratory depression, hypotension, seizures, or coma. Immediate medical attention is required. If overdose is suspected, contact emergency services (999 in the UK) and provide information on the amount ingested and time of ingestion.

Precautions –

• Avoid alcohol while taking baclofen, as it potentiates CNS depression.
• Do not operate heavy machinery or drive until the effect of the medication on alertness is known.
• Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment; monitor liver function if clinically indicated.
• Adjust dose in renal insufficiency: reduce total daily dose by 25 %–50 % for eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m².

Buying Baclofen from Our Online Pharmacy

Patients residing in the United Kingdom can obtain baclofen directly from our online pharmacy. We specialise in providing high‑quality generic medicines at prices that approach the manufacturer’s cost.

• Affordability – By sourcing from vetted international suppliers, we keep the unit price of baclofen significantly lower than many domestic retail pharmacies.
• Verified quality – Every batch is supplied by MHRA‑approved manufacturers, and each shipment is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis confirming potency and purity.
• Fast, discreet delivery – Standard delivery typically arrives within 7 days via express courier; regular airmail may take up to three weeks, all packaged in unbranded, tamper‑evident containers to protect privacy.
• Online‑only access – Our pharmacy broker service works with licensed overseas pharmacies, enabling patients who face limited local availability or restrictive insurance formularies to obtain baclofen without compromising safety.

Choosing our online pharmacy ensures a reliable, cost‑effective, and private route to secure the medication you need for spasticity management.

FAQ

• Is baclofen available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The original brand‑name product is Lioresal, while generic baclofen tablets contain the identical active ingredient and are marketed by multiple manufacturers. Generic versions are usually less expensive but clinically equivalent.

• What temperature range is recommended for storing baclofen tablets?
  Baclofen should be kept at controlled room temperature, ideally between 15 °C and 30 °C. It must be protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight to maintain tablet integrity.

• Can baclofen tablets be crushed or split for dose adjustment?
  Tablets are scored, allowing them to be divided safely in half. Crushing is not recommended unless a healthcare professional specifically advises it, as it may alter the drug’s absorption profile.

• Does baclofen interact with common over‑the‑counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen?
  Ibuprofen does not have a direct pharmacokinetic interaction with baclofen, but high‑dose NSAIDs can affect renal function, potentially reducing baclofen clearance and increasing plasma concentrations.

• Are there any special considerations for travelling abroad with baclofen?
  When travelling, keep the medication in its original labelled container, carry a copy of the prescription or a medical statement, and store it in carry‑on luggage to avoid temperature extremes experienced in checked baggage.

• What are the legal requirements for importing baclofen for personal use into the UK?
  Personal import of prescription‑only medicines is permitted if the quantity does not exceed a three‑month supply and the product is obtained from a reputable, licensed overseas pharmacy. Import must comply with MHRA guidance and customs regulations.

• Why might some patients experience a “withdrawal” syndrome after stopping baclofen abruptly?
  Baclofen suppresses spinal reflexes; sudden cessation removes this inhibition, leading to rebound spasticity, autonomic instability, and, in severe cases, seizures. A gradual taper is essential to minimise these effects.

• Is there any evidence that baclofen can improve quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis?
  Clinical trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated that baclofen reduces spasticity scores and improves sleep quality, which together contribute to enhanced overall quality of life for many MS patients.

• How does the intrathecal baclofen pump differ from oral therapy?
  The intrathecal pump delivers a continuous low dose of baclofen directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, providing more potent spasticity control with fewer systemic side effects. It is reserved for patients who do not respond adequately to oral doses.

• Do baclofen tablets contain any allergens such as lactose or gluten?
  Most generic baclofen tablets use lactose as a filler, but formulations vary by manufacturer. Patients with lactose intolerance should verify the excipient list on the packaging or request a lactose‑free variant where available.

Glossary

GABA‑B Receptor

A metabotropic receptor for the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma‑aminobutyric acid (GABA) that, when activated, reduces neuronal excitability through potassium channel opening.

Spasticity

A velocity‑dependent increase in muscle tone caused by hyper‑active stretch reflexes, commonly seen in central nervous system disorders.

Half‑Life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 % after reaching steady state; baclofen’s oral half‑life is roughly 3–4 hours.

Intrathecal Pump

An implanted device that delivers medication directly into the spinal fluid, allowing lower doses and targeted action compared with systemic administration.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Baclofen is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to 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.