Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic medication primarily used to manage muscle spasms, spasticity, stiffness, cramping, and pain caused by conditions that affect the brain or spinal cord. The most common conditions for which baclofen is prescribed include multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and other diseases or injuries involving the spinal cord and central nervous system[1][2][3].
Baclofen is effective for:
- Reducing the severity and frequency of muscle spasms
- Decreasing muscle stiffness and tightness
- Alleviating pain and improving muscle movement associated with neurological conditions
- Managing spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and certain spinal cord diseases
- Providing relief in conditions such as meningitis and motor neurone disease
The medication is available in several forms, including tablets, oral solutions, and injectables. In severe cases, especially when oral forms are ineffective or cause intolerable side effects, baclofen may be given via injection or an implanted pump under the skin[1][4][5].
Baclofen is not used for muscle spasms resulting from rheumatic disorders and should only be used as prescribed. Its mechanism involves acting on the spinal cord nerves to reduce abnormal nerve activity, thereby improving muscle control and reducing discomfort[1][2][3].