Baclofen (Baclofen Tablets) Drug Information: Clinical Pharmacology

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May 25, 2012

Baclofen

Types of Pain Medications »

For what conditions are pain medications used?

Virtually any disease as well as most injuries and surgical procedures involve some degree of pain. It's not surprising, then, that pain medications, also known as analgesics, are among the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. Pain can range from minor, acute complaints, such as a muscle sprain, to chronic, severe pain, such as that sometimes experienced by cancer patients. Some drugs used for other conditions also are effective at relieving certain types of pain. These drugs include certain drugs used for depression, epilepsy, and anxiety.

What are the differences among the types of pain medications?

Pain medications can be broadly classified into two categories: prescription and nonprescription. In the latter category are several mild anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), as well as acetaminophen. These are mainly meant for use with short-term, acute pain -- menstrual cramps,...

Read the Types of Pain Medications article »

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CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

ACTIONS

The precise mechanism of action of baclofen is not fully known. Baclofen (baclofen (baclofen (baclofen tablets) tablets) tablets) is capable of inhibiting both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level, possibly by hyperpolarization of afferent terminals, although actions at supraspinal sites may also occur and contribute to its clinical effect. Although baclofen (baclofen (baclofen (baclofen tablets) tablets) tablets) is an analog of the putative inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), there is no conclusive evidence that actions on GABA systems are involved in the production of its clinical effects. In studies with animals, baclofen (baclofen (baclofen (baclofen tablets) tablets) tablets) has been shown to have general CNS depressant properties as indicated by the production of sedation with tolerance, somnolence, ataxia, and respiratory and cardiovascular depression. Baclofen (baclofen (baclofen (baclofen tablets) tablets) tablets) is rapidly and extensively absorbed and eliminated. Absorption may be dose-dependent, being reduced with increasing doses. Baclofen (baclofen (baclofen (baclofen tablets) tablets) tablets) is excreted primarily by the kidney in unchanged form and there is relatively large intersubject variation in absorption and/or elimination.

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/20/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.