What it means
It acts on GABA receptors in the spinal cord to calm overactive muscle reflexes (spasticity). It is taken by mouth or given through a pump into the fluid around the spinal cord (intrathecal). Common effects are drowsiness, dizziness and weakness. Stopping it suddenly, especially the intrathecal form, can cause hallucinations, seizures, high fever and severe muscle stiffness, and can be fatal; the intrathecal form carries a boxed warning about this. The tablets and liquid have no boxed warning.
For the nurse
Teach the client never to stop it suddenly, and keep pump refill appointments. Watch for drowsiness and falls, and teach avoiding alcohol. The dose is lowered when kidney function is poor.
At a glance
| Drug class | skeletal muscle relaxant (centrally acting) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Lioresal, Gablofen (intrathecal), Fleqsuvy (oral liquid) |
| Spanish | baclofeno |
| Also written | Lioresal, Gablofen, Fleqsuvy |
Related terms
spinal cord
The long bundle of nerves that runs down through the backbone and carries messages between the brain and the body.
multiple sclerosis
A long-term disease in which the immune system damages the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
GABA
Gamma-aminobutyric acid: the brain's main calming (inhibitory) neurotransmitter.