What is Pacifen (Baclofen) used for?

Pacifen (Baclofen) is a muscle relaxant used to improve mobility in people with diseases such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. Pacifen works by reducing tension in the muscles which cause spasms. There is also some evidence that Pacifen may be useful in treating addictions such as alcoholism.

How should I use Pacifen (Baclofen)?

Pacifen (Baclofen) is usually started at a low dosage and may be increased gradually until the correct dosage is reached. Your physician can help you find your correct dosage. Baclofen is usually taken in diveded doses throughout the day.

The recommended adult dosage is 5mg, 3 times a day. The dose should subsequently be increased at 3-day intervals by 5mg, 3 times a day until the requisite daily dosage has been attained. In certain patients reacting sensitively to medicines, it may be advisable to begin with a lower daily dosage and to raise this dosage more gradually. The optimum daily dosage generally ranges from 30 - 80mg (100 to 120mg may be given to carefully supervised patients in hospital). For the children and elderly dosage, please see Reference (PDF Leaflet).

What are the side effects of Pacifen (Baclofen)?

• signs of allergy
• slow or difficult breathing
• fast or irregular heart beat
• chest pain
• muscle spasms
• seizures
• depression
• hallucinations
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• muscle weakness
• problems with coordination
• blurred vision
• ringing in the ears
• frequent urination
• difficulty urinating
• blood in the urine
• swelling of ankles
• sleepiness
• drowsiness
• lack of energy
• dizziness
• vertigo
• headache
• difficulty sleeping
• nausea
• retching
• constipation
• stomach cramps
• diarrhoea
• loss of appetite
• dry mouth
• change in sense of taste
• excessive sweating
• impotence

Please Note

Before taking Baclofen, tell you physician if you are pregnancy or breastfeeding, or you have mental illness, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, heart , kidney or liver disease, stroke or other brain blood vessel disease, lung problems, stomach or duodenal ulcers, diabetes, alcoholism, high blood pressure, etc. Let your physician know of any other medicines you are taking, especially anything causing sedation, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, insulin and/or diabetes medicines, hypertension medicines, levodopa and carbidopa.