Medicines

Baclofen for muscle spasm

This leaflet is for parents and carers about how to use this medicine in children. Our information may differ from that provided by the manufacturers, because their information usually relates to adults. Read this leaflet carefully. Keep it somewhere safe so that you can read it again.

Do not stop giving Baclofen suddenly, as this may cause serious side-effects.

Contents of this leaflet

Name of medicine

Baclofen

Brand names: Baclospas, Lioresal, Lyflex

Why is it important for my child to take Baclofen?

Baclofen is used to help with severe muscle spasm (spasticity) in children. This may be due to cerebral palsy and other conditions that affect the brain or spinal cord. Baclofen will help your child’s muscles to relax. This will help your child to move, and make it easier and less painful for you to move them. Baclofen may also help to reduce muscle pain.

What is Baclofen available as?

Tablets: 10 mg
Liquid Medicine: 1 mg in 1 mL

Different tablets or medicines may contain different ingredients in addition to Baclofen. Read the packet or leaflet that comes with it to find out if the medicine contains anything that your child should not have. All of the above products have to be ordered specially by your pharmacist.

When should I give Baclofen

You and your doctor will decide together when and how often to give Baclofen. This will be decided according to your child's needs.

How much should I give?

Your doctor will work out the amount of Baclofen (the dose) that is right for your child. The dose will be shown on the medicine label.

You will start by giving your child a small amount and then increase the dose bit by bit. Your doctor will ask you how well the medicine is working, and may suggest that you change the amount you give, or when you give it, to get the best effect. If you think the dose is not right, talk to your doctor.

It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions about how much to give.

How should I give Baclofen?

Tablets

Baclofen should be taken with or just after food

Tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water or juice. Your child should not chew the tablet.

Your doctor may have told you to give half or quarter of a tablet.

Liquid medicine

Measure out the right amount using a medicine spoon or oral syringe. You can get these from your pharmacist. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount.

When should the medicine start working?

Your child’s muscles should begin to feel less stiff after taking baclofen regularly for 3–4 days. It may take up to 10 days for the maximum effect.

What if my child is sick (vomits)?

If your child is sick less than 30 minutes after having a dose of Baclofen, give them the same dose again.

If your child is sick more than 30 minutes after having a dose of Baclofen, you do not need to give them another dose. Wait until the next normal dose.

What if I forget to give it?

If you forget to give a dose, your child’s muscles may become a little stiffer. Give the dose as soon as you remember. Wait at least 4 hours before giving the next dose.

Are there any possible side effects?

We use medicines to make our children better, but sometimes they have other effects that we don’t want (side effects).

Side effects you must do something about

If your child has a seizure (also called a fit or convulsion) or is very sleepy or difficult to wake up, they may have had too much Baclofen. Take them to hospital straight away.

If your child has difficulty breathing, take them to hospital straight away. Tell the doctor that your child is taking Baclofen. Take the medicine or packaging with you.

There may sometimes be other side effects that are not listed above. If you notice anything unusual and are concerned, contact your doctor. You can report any suspected side effects to a UK safety scheme at mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

Can other medicines be given at the same time as Baclofen?

  • You can give your child medicines that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, unless your doctor has told you not to.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal and complementary medicines.

Is there anything else I need to know about this medicine?

If Baclofen does not seem to be controlling your child’s muscle spasms, contact your doctor for advice.

  • If your doctor decides that Baclofen is not right for your child, you will need to reduce the dose bit by bit over a few weeks so that your child doesn’t get side-effects. Do not reduce the dose without talking to your doctor first.
  • If your child is already taking other medicines, tell your doctor before starting Baclofen.
  • If your child has kidney problems, tell your doctor before starting Baclofen.
  • Baclofen may not be suitable for children with stomach ulcers, mental health problems or who have difficulty passing urine (having a wee). If your child has any of these conditions, tell your doctor.

General advice about medicines

  • Try to give medicines at about the same times each day, to help you remember.
  • Only give this medicine to your child. Never give it to anyone else, even if their condition appears to be the same, as this could do harm.
  • If you think someone else may have taken the medicine, contact a doctor straight away.
  • Make sure that you always have enough medicine. Order a new prescription at least 2 weeks before you will run out.
  • Make sure that the medicines you have at home have not reached the ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date on the packaging. Give old medicines to your pharmacist to dispose of.

Where should I keep this medicine?

  • Make sure that children cannot see or reach the medicine.
  • Keep the medicine in a cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight. It does not need to be kept in the fridge. Do not store above 25°C.
  • Keep the medicine in the container it came in.

Who to contact for more information?

Your doctor, pharmacist or physiotherapist will be able to give you more information about Baclofen and about other medicines used to treat muscle spasticity.

England: NHS 111

Tel 111

www.nhs.uk

Scotland: NHS 24

Northern Ireland: NI Direct

Wales: NHS 111 Wales

Scope (disability equality charity)

0808 800 3333

www.scope.org.uk

Copyright disclaimer

Version [2]. © NPPG, RCPCH and WellChild, all rights reserved. Review by March 2017.

The primary source for the information in this leaflet is the British National Formulary for Children. For details on any other sources used for this leaflet, please contact us through our website, www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk.

We take great care to make sure that the information in this leaflet is correct and up-to-date. However, medicines can be used in different ways for different patients. It is important that you ask the advice of your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about something. This leaflet is about the use of these medicines in the UK, and may not apply to other countries. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group (NPPG), WellChild and the contributors and editors cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information, omissions of information, or any actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading this leaflet.