Baclofen
Brand names: Lioresal
Baclofen is a skeletal muscle relaxant used in children to relieve spasticity associated with conditions such as cerebral palsy and other disorders of the central nervous system.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It is a GABA-B receptor agonist acting at spinal level to reduce excitatory neurotransmitter release and inhibit reflex muscle contraction.
Prescribing in practice
- Never stop baclofen abruptly, as sudden withdrawal can precipitate a serious reaction including rebound spasticity, high fever, altered mental state and seizures — the dose must be tapered.
- It causes sedation and muscle weakness, and the dose should be adjusted in renal impairment as it is largely renally excreted.
- Introduce gradually and titrate to balance spasticity relief against drowsiness and hypotonia.
Monitoring
Monitor muscle tone, functional benefit, sedation and for any signs of withdrawal if doses are missed.
Counselling the patient
- Do not stop this medicine suddenly — always reduce it gradually under medical advice.
- It may cause drowsiness or muscle weakness, especially when starting.
- Report increasing stiffness, fever or confusion if doses have been missed.
Evidence & guidelines
Baclofen is an established oral treatment for spasticity in children, and abrupt-withdrawal reactions are well documented.
Reference: NICE NG62 (Spasticity in under 19s); Royal College of Physicians Spasticity Guideline; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.