Lioresal Tablet 10 mg

Lioresal Tablet, containing Baclofen 10 mg, is a centrally acting muscle relaxant manufactured by Novartis (Bangladesh) Ltd. Primarily prescribed for spasticity linked to multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, or neurological disorders, it modulates GABA_B receptors to reduce muscle rigidity. Priced at ৳12.96 per tablet (৳648.00 for 50 tablets), it offers cost-effective symptomatic relief.

This tablet formulation requires gradual dose titration. Adults start with 5 mg thrice daily, potentially reaching 100 mg/day. Pediatric dosing varies by age (2.5–60 mg/day). Avoid abrupt discontinuation to prevent withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations. Store below 30°C, protected from moisture and light.

Key indications include:

• Spasticity from MS or spinal cord injuries
• Muscle spasms in rheumatic conditions
• Post-stroke or brain disease-related rigidity

Common side effects like drowsiness (10%+ cases) and dizziness may impair alertness. Rare but severe reactions include seizures, respiratory depression, and psychiatric symptoms. Contraindicated with alcohol, CNS depressants, and MAO inhibitors due to synergistic sedation risks. Monitor blood pressure when combined with antihypertensives.

Pregnant women should use Lioresal cautiously (Category B3), as Baclofen crosses the placenta. Breastfeeding appears low-risk but requires medical supervision. Overdose management emphasizes gastric lavage and symptomatic care.

Adults: Start 5 mg TDS with food, gradually increase to max 100 mg/day. Children (<10 yrs): Initial 2.5 mg QID, adjust to 10-60 mg based on age. Renal impairment: Reduce to 5 mg/day. Duration adjusted per therapeutic response.

The most common adverse reactions associated with Lioresal are transient drowsiness, daytime sedation, dizziness, weakness and fatigue.

• Central Nervous System: Headache (<10%), insomnia (<10%), and rarely, euphoria, excitement, depression, confusion, hallucinations, paraesthesia, nightmares, muscle pain, tinnitus, slurred speech, co-ordination disorder, tremor, rigidity, dystonia, ataxia, blurred vision, nystagmus, strabismus, miosis, mydriasis, diplopia, dysarthria, epileptic seizures, respiratory depression.
• Cardiovascular: Hypotension (<10%), rare instances of dyspnoea, palpitation, chest pain, syncope.
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea (approximately 10%), constipation (<10%) and rarely, dry mouth, anorexia, taste disorder, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and positive test for occult blood in stool.
• Genitourinary: Urinary frequency (<10%) and rarely, enuresis, urinary retention, dysuria, impotence, inability to ejaculate, nocturia, haematuria.
• Other: Instances of rash, pruritus, ankle oedema, excessive perspiration, weight gain, nasal congestion, visual disturbances, hepatic function disorders and paradoxical increase in spasticity. Muscular hypotonia of a degree sufficient to make walking or movement difficult may occur but is usually relieved by readjusting the dosage. For this purpose, the daytime dosage may be reduced and the evening dosage increased.

Pregnancy Category B3: Use only if benefits outweigh risks. Excreted minimally in breast milk – consult physician.

Monitor epileptic/psychiatric/diabetic patients closely. Assess respiratory/cardiovascular status. Reduce dose in renal impairment. Caution in peptic ulcer history.

Geriatric: Titrate dose slowly. Pediatric: Weight-based dosing. Renal impairment: 50% dose reduction. Hepatic dysfunction: Monitor LFTs.

Gastric lavage is important in case of severe overdose.