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Baclofen
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baclofen | 5 mg/mL | 197392 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| GABA A Agonists [MoA] | MoA | All 14 members |
| GABA B Agonists [MoA] | MoA | 8 members — no class page |
| gamma-Aminobutyric Acid-ergic Agonist [EPC] | EPC | All 13 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 217252-001 | BACLOFEN | SUSPENSION | BACLOFEN | Prescription | AB |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | June 8, 2023 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Original application · July 13, 2023
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251216). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingDosage and Administration ( 2.3 ) 4/2024
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Baclofen oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, particularly for the relief of flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus, and muscular rigidity. Baclofen oral suspension may also be of some value in patients with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases. Limitations of Use Baclofen oral suspension is not indicated in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders. • Baclofen oral suspension is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-ergic) agonist indicated for the treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, particularly for the relief of flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus, and muscular rigidity. ( 1 ) • Baclofen oral suspension may also be of some value in patients with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use Baclofen oral suspension is not indicated in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Baclofen is a concentrated formulation. Verify the dose of the product prior to dispensing. ( 2.1 ) Initiate baclofen with a low dosage, preferably in divided doses, administered orally. Increase gradually based on clinical response and tolerability. ( 2.2 ) The maximum dosage is 80 mg daily (20 mg four times a day). ( 2.2 ) When discontinuing, reduce the dosage slowly. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Important Information Baclofen is a concentrated formulation. Verify the strength and the dose of the product prior to prescribing, dispensing, and administering. 2.2 Recommended Dosage Initiate baclofen with a low dosage, preferably in divided doses, administered orally. The following gradually increasing dosage regimen is suggested, but should be adjusted based on clinical response and tolerability: 1 mL (5 mg) three times a day for three days 2 mL (10 mg) three times a day for three days 3 mL (15 mg) three times a day for three days 4 mL (20 mg) three times a day for three days Additional increases may be necessary up to the maximum recommended dosage of 80 mg daily [4 mL (20 mg) four times a day]. 2.3 Administration Instructions Shake well baclofen oral suspension before administration. Discard unused portion 2 months after first opening. A calibrated measuring device is recommended to measure and deliver the prescribed dose accurately. A household teaspoon or tablespoon is not an adequate measuring device. Nasogastric Tube Administration Baclofen oral suspension can be administered via a nasogastric (NG) tube at sizes 8 French or larger using the following steps: Ensure the NG feeding tube is flushed with appropriate amount of purified water (15 to 30 mL) prior to administration of baclofen oral suspension. Draw the required dose of baclofen oral suspension in the appropriate oral or enteral syringe and administer the dose via the feeding tube. The medication may remain in the dosing syringe for up to 4 hours prior to administration. If residual drug remains in the dosing syringe, draw up purified water into the syringe, shake gently, and administer through the feeding tube. Flush the feeding tube with at least 25 mL of purified water. 2.4 Discontinuation of Baclofen When discontinuing baclofen, reduce the dosage slowly and avoid abrupt withdrawn from the drug to help minimize the risk of adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Oral Suspension: 25 mg per 5 mL (5 mg/mL) baclofen as a concentrated orange to yellow- colored, grape-flavored suspension. Oral Suspension: 25 mg per 5 mL (5 mg/mL) ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Baclofen oral suspension is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to baclofen. • Hypersensitivity to baclofen ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen has resulted in serious adverse reactions including death; therefore, reduce the dosage slowly when baclofen oral suspension is discontinued. ( 5.1 ) • Neonatal withdrawal symptoms can occur; gradually reduce the dosage and discontinue baclofen oral suspension before delivery. ( 5.2 ) • Baclofen oral suspension can cause drowsiness and sedation. Patients should avoid the operation of automobiles or other dangerous machinery until they know how the drug affects them. Advise patients that the central nervous system effects of baclofen oral suspension may be additive to those of alcohol and other CNS depressants. ( 5.3 ) • Baclofen oral suspension can cause exacerbation of the following: psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, or confusional states; autonomic dysreflexia; epilepsy. Use with caution in patients with these conditions. ( 5.5 , 5.6 , 5.7 ) 5.1 Adverse Reactions from Abrupt Withdrawal of baclofen oral suspension Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen, regardless of the cause, has resulted in adverse reactions that include hallucinations, seizures, high fever, altered mental status, exaggerated rebound spasticity, and muscle rigidity, that in rare cases has advanced to rhabdomyolysis, multiple organ-system failure, and death. Therefore, reduce the dosage slowly when baclofen oral suspension is discontinued, unless the clinical situation justifies a rapid withdrawal. 5.2 Neonatal Withdrawal Symptoms Withdrawal symptoms in neonates whose mothers were treated with oral baclofen throughout pregnancy have been reported starting hours to days after delivery. The symptoms of withdrawal in these infants have included increased muscle tone, tremor, jitteriness, and seizure. If the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus and baclofen oral suspension is continued during pregnancy, gradually reduce the dosage and discontinue baclofen oral suspension before delivery. If slow withdrawal is not feasible, advise the parents or caregivers of the exposed neonate of the potential for neonatal withdrawal. 5.3 Drowsiness and Sedation Drowsiness and sedation have been reported in up to 63% of patients taking baclofen, the active ingredient in baclofen oral suspension [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) ]. Patients should avoid operation of automobiles or other dangerous machinery and activities made hazardous by decreased alertness when starting baclofen oral suspension or increasing the dose until they know how the drug affects them. Advise patients that the central nervous system depressant effects of baclofen oral suspension may be additive to those of alcohol and other CNS depressants. 5.4 Poor Tolerability in Stroke Patients Baclofen oral suspension should be used with caution in patients who have had a stroke. Baclofen has not significantly benefited patients with stroke. These patients have also shown poor tolerability to the drug. 5.5 Exacerbation of Psychotic Disorders, Schizophrenia, or Confusional States Baclofen oral suspension should be used with caution in patients suffering from psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, or confusional states. If treated with baclofen oral suspension, these patients should be kept under careful surveillance because exacerbations of these conditions have been observed with oral baclofen administration. 5.6 Exacerbation of Autonomic Dysreflexia Baclofen oral suspension should be used with caution in patients with a history of autonomic dysreflexia. The presence of nociceptive stimuli or abrupt withdrawal of baclofen oral suspension may cause an autonomic dysreflexic episode. 5.7 Exacerbation of Epilepsy Baclofen oral suspension should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy. Deterioration in seizure control has been reported in patients taking baclofen. 5.8 Posture and Balance Effects Baclofen oral suspension should be used with caution in patients where spasticity is utilized to sustain upright posture and balance in locom …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Adverse Reactions from Abrupt Withdrawal of baclofen oral suspension [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] • Neonatal Withdrawal Symptoms [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] • Drowsiness and Sedation [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] • Poor Tolerability in Stroke Patients [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] • Exacerbation of Psychotic Disorders, Schizophrenia, or Confusional States [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] • Exacerbation of Autonomic Dysreflexia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] • Exacerbation of Epilepsy [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] • Posture and Balance Effects [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ] • Ovarian Cysts [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] • The most common (up to 15% or more) adverse reactions in patients were drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Slayback Pharma at 1-844-566-2505 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most common adverse reaction is transient drowsiness. In one controlled study of 175 patients, transient drowsiness was observed in 63% of those receiving baclofen compared to 36% of those in the placebo group. Other common adverse reactions (up to 15%) are dizziness and weakness. Adverse reactions with a frequency of ≥1% are listed in Table 1. Table 1. Common (≥1%) Adverse Reactions in Patients Treated with baclofen for Spasticity ADVERSE REACTION PERCENT Drowsiness 10-63% Dizziness 5-15% Weakness 5-15% Nausea 4-12% Confusion 1-11% Hypotension 0-9% Headache 4-8% Insomnia 2-7% Constipation 2-6% Urinary Frequency 2-6% Fatigue 2-4% The following adverse reactions not included in Table 1, classified by body system, were also reported: Neuropsychiatric: euphoria, excitement, depression, hallucinations, paresthesia, muscle pain, tinnitus, slurred speech, coordination disorder, tremor, rigidity, dystonia, ataxia, blurred vision, nystagmus, strabismus, miosis, mydriasis, diplopia, dysarthria, epileptic seizure Cardiovascular: dyspnea, palpitation, chest pain, syncope Gastrointestinal: dry mouth, anorexia, taste disorder, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and positive test for occult blood in stool Genitourinary: enuresis, urinary retention, dysuria, impotence, inability to ejaculate, nocturia, hematuria Other: rash, pruritus, ankle edema, excessive perspiration, weight gain, nasal congestion The following laboratory tests have been found to be abnormal in patients receiving baclofen: increased SGOT, elevated alkaline phosphatase, and elevation of blood sugar.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 CNS Depressants and Alcohol Baclofen oral suspension can cause CNS depression, including drowsiness and sedation, which may be additive when used concomitantly with other CNS depressants or alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Pregnancy: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 ) • Because baclofen is excreted unchanged through the kidneys it may be necessary to reduce the dosage in patients with impaired renal function. ( 8.6 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the risk of major birth defects, miscarriages, or other maternal adverse outcomes associated with the use of baclofen oral suspension in pregnant women. There are adverse effects on fetal outcomes associated with withdrawal from baclofen after delivery ( see Clinical Considerations ). Oral administration of baclofen to pregnant rats resulted in an increased incidence of fetal structural abnormalities at a dose that was also associated with maternal toxicity. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Baclofen oral suspension may increase the risk of late-onset neonatal withdrawal symptoms [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. Data Animal Data Baclofen given orally has been shown to increase the incidence of omphaloceles (ventral hernias) in fetuses of rats given approximately 13 times on a mg/kg basis, or 3 times on a mg/m 2 basis, the maximum oral dose recommended for human use; this dose also caused reductions in food intake and weight gain in the dams. This abnormality was not seen in mice or rabbits. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary At recommended oral doses, baclofen is present in human milk. There are no human data on the effects of baclofen on milk production. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed infants when maternal administration of baclofen oral suspension is stopped, or when breastfeeding is stopped [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. There are no adequate data on other effects of baclofen on the breastfed infant. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for baclofen oral suspension and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from baclofen oral suspension or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 ) ]. 8.6 Renal Impairment Because baclofen is primarily excreted unchanged through the kidneys, baclofen oral suspension should be given with caution to patients with renal impairment, and it may be necessary to reduce the dosage.
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action The precise mechanism of action of baclofen is not fully understood. Baclofen inhibits both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level, possibly by decreasing excitatory neurotransmitter release from afferent terminals, although actions at supraspinal sites may also occur and contribute to its clinical effect. Baclofen is a structural analog of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) and may exert its effects by stimulation of the GABA B receptor subtype.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Baclofen oral suspension is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-ergic) agonist available as 25 mg per 5 mL (5 mg/mL) suspension for oral administration. Its chemical name is 4-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-butanoic acid, and its structural formula is: Molecular formula is C 10 H 12 C1NO 2 . Molecular Weight is 213.66 g/mol. Baclofen USP is a white to off-white, odorless or practically odorless crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water, very slightly soluble in methanol, and insoluble in chloroform. The baclofen oral suspension inactive ingredients are: artificial grape flavor, citric acid anhydrous, D&C yellow No. 10, FD&C red No. 40, hydroxyethyl cellulose, propylene glycol, purified water, simethicone emulsion, sodium benzoate, and sucralose. Structural Formula
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE 10.1 Symptoms of baclofen Overdose With overdose of baclofen, patients may present in coma or with progressive drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, somnolence, accommodation disorders, respiratory depression, seizures, or hypotonia progressing to loss of consciousness. 10.2 Treatment for Overdose The treatment of baclofen overdose includes gastric decontamination, maintaining an adequate airway and respirations.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Baclofen oral suspension contains 25 mg per 5 mL (5 mg/mL) baclofen. It is a concentrated orange to yellow-colored, grape-flavored suspension and is supplied in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles with white, polypropylene, child-resistant closures with a foam liner and heat induction layered inner seal. 120 mL, NDC 52536-600-11 300 mL, NDC 52536-600-12 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30° (59° and 86° F) (see USP Controlled Room Temperature). Discard unused portion 2 months after first opening.
16.1 How Supplied Baclofen oral suspension contains 25 mg per 5 mL (5 mg/mL) baclofen. It is a concentrated orange to yellow-colored, grape-flavored suspension and is supplied in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles with white, polypropylene, child-resistant closures with a foam liner and heat induction layered inner seal. 120 mL, NDC 52536-600-11 300 mL, NDC 52536-600-12
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: BACLOFEN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62559-204-03 | 62559-204 | ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (62559-204-03) / 300 mL in 1 BOTTLE | March 19, 2024 |
| 62559-204-12 | 62559-204 | ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (62559-204-12) / 120 mL in 1 BOTTLE | March 18, 2024 |
| 71225-140-01 | 71225-140 | Slayback Pharma LLC | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (71225-140-01) / 250 mL in 1 BOTTLE | June 19, 2023 |
| 52536-600-11 | 52536-600 | Wilshire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (52536-600-11) / 120 mL in 1 BOTTLE | April 1, 2023 |
| 52536-600-12 | 52536-600 | Wilshire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (52536-600-12) / 300 mL in 1 BOTTLE | April 1, 2023 |
| 62559-204 | 62559-204 | ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | March 18, 2024 |
| 71225-140 | 71225-140 | Slayback Pharma LLC | — | June 19, 2023 |
| 52536-600 | 52536-600 | Wilshire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | April 1, 2023 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.