Medicine Information

Liofen

Name: Liofen
Brand: Liofen
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet5 mgCentrally Acting Skeletal Muscle RelaxantsATC: M03BX01

Generic Name

Baclofen

Manufacturer

Various (e.g., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)

Country

India, Bangladesh, etc.

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
liofen 5 mg tablet	৳ 4.51	৳ 45.10

Description

Overview of the medicine

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispastic agent. It is used to relieve signs and symptoms of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. It works by acting on the central nervous system to reduce muscle tone and the frequency of muscle spasms.

Uses & Indications

Treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis.

Treatment of spasticity resulting from spinal cord lesions (e.g., spinal cord injury, stroke, neoplastic or degenerative spinal cord disease).

Adjunctive therapy for spasticity in cerebral palsy.

Dosage

Adults

Initial dose: 5 mg three times daily. May be increased by 5 mg increments every 3 days as needed, up to a maximum of 80 mg/day (e.g., 20 mg four times daily).

Elderly

Lower initial doses (e.g., 5 mg once or twice daily) and slower titration are recommended due to increased sensitivity and potential for adverse effects.

Renal_impairment

Dosage should be reduced significantly. For severe renal impairment, consider 5 mg once daily or every other day, with careful monitoring.

How to Take

Take orally, preferably with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Do not discontinue abruptly.

Mechanism of Action

Baclofen is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) derivative that acts as a GABA-B receptor agonist. It works by hyperpolarizing afferent terminals, inhibiting both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal cord level. This reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, leading to decreased muscle spasticity and associated pain.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

1-2 hours

Excretion

Mainly excreted unchanged by the kidneys (70-80% within 72 hours). A small amount is excreted in feces.

Half life

3-4 hours

Absorption

Rapidly and extensively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2-3 hours.

Metabolism

Approximately 5-10% is metabolized in the liver; the primary metabolite is β-(p-chlorophenyl)-β-hydroxybutyric acid.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Baclofen or any component of the formulation.
Epilepsy (uncontrolled).

Drug Interactions

Antihypertensive agents

May augment hypotensive effects.

Tricyclic antidepressants

May potentiate the effects of baclofen, leading to increased muscle hypotonia.

CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids)

Increased CNS depression, drowsiness, and respiratory depression.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, decreased consciousness, respiratory depression, seizures, and coma. Management involves supportive care, including maintaining airway and respiratory function. Gastric lavage or activated charcoal may be considered if ingestion is recent.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Baclofen is excreted in human milk; use with caution in nursing mothers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets30 tablets100 tablets

Shelf Life

Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture

Availability

Available in pharmacies nationwide

Approval Status

Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)

Patent Status

Generic available

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Baclofen has been extensively studied in clinical trials for the management of spasticity associated with various neurological conditions. Efficacy and safety have been well-established over decades of use.

Lab Monitoring

No routine lab monitoring is generally required. However, renal function should be monitored in patients with renal impairment.

Doctor Notes

Emphasize the importance of gradual dose titration and the dangers of abrupt discontinuation.
Advise patients about potential CNS depressant effects and interactions with other sedatives/alcohol.
Monitor for renal function, especially in elderly and renally impaired patients, and adjust dose accordingly.

Patient Guidelines

Do not stop taking Baclofen abruptly, as this can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. Always taper the dose under medical supervision.
Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while on this medication.
Be cautious when performing activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Baclofen may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Lifestyle Advice

Avoid activities requiring mental alertness initially. Engage in physical therapy as recommended by your doctor to manage spasticity.
Maintain good hydration and a balanced diet.

Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh

Similar medicines available in the market

Baclo (Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)Baclofen (Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)Baclomin (Opsonin Pharma Ltd.)

Global Brand Names

International brand names for this medicine

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Tablet60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg

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