Baclofen Disease Interactions

Baclofen is primarily eliminated by the kidney. Patients with impaired renal function may be at greater risk for adverse effects from baclofen due to decreased drug clearance. Therapy with baclofen should be administered cautiously in such patients. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Therapy with intrathecal baclofen should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of autonomic dysreflexia, since the presence of nociceptive stimuli or abrupt withdrawal of the medication may trigger an episode of dysreflexia.

Baclofen may precipitate or exacerbate psychotic symptoms, both during therapy and following abrupt withdrawal of the drug. Therapy with baclofen should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders.

Deterioration in seizure control and electroencephalographic (EEG) changes have been reported occasionally in epileptic patients treated with baclofen. Therapy with baclofen should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures. Clinical status and EEG should be monitored at regular intervals during treatment. Except in cases of overdose or severe adverse reactions, cessation of baclofen therapy, whenever necessary, should occur gradually with incrementally reduced dosages. Abrupt withdrawal has been associated with central nervous system effects including seizures, hallucinations, and psychosis.