Bac-10 Special Precautions

Baclofen stimulates gastric acid secretion and should be used with caution in patients with a history of peptic ulcer and avoided in those patients with active peptic ulcer disease. It should also be used with caution in patients with severe psychiatric disorders or epilepsy or convulsive disorders since these disorders may be exacerbated by baclofen. Liver function should be monitored in patients with liver disease; patients with renal impairment need a reduced dose. Baclofen should be used with caution in patients with respiratory impairment. Observations of increased blood sugar concentrations suggest caution in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Care is also required in the elderly, in whom adverse effects may be more common, and in patients with cerebrovascular disease (who tolerate baclofen poorly). It should be used with caution in patients who use their spasticity to maintain posture or to increase function. Urine retention may be exacerbated in patients with hypertonic bladder sphincters. Baclofen may cause drowsiness; patients affected should not drive or operate machinery.
Abrupt withdrawal of baclofen may result in a withdrawal syndrome and exacerbation of spasticity; dosage should be reduced gradually over at least 1 to 2 weeks, or longer if symptoms occur.