Miorel

baclofen

Miorel - Baclofen is a muscle relaxer and an antispastic agent. Baclofen is used to treat muscle symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis, including spasm, pain, and stiffness.

What is Miorel?

Miorel is an oral medication that relaxes skeletal muscles, the muscles that move the skeleton (also called striated muscle). Chemically, baclofen is related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. GABA released by some nerves causes the activity of other nerves to decrease. It is believed that baclofen, acting like GABA, blocks the activity of nerves within the part of the brain that controls the contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscle.

Before taking Miorel

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to baclofen. Before taking baclofen, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
• a history of stroke or blood clots.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

How should I take Miorel?

Miorel comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times a day at evenly spaced intervals. Take baclofen exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt. Continue to take Miorel even if you feel well. Do not stop taking baclofen without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses.

Miorel side effects

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): confusion, difficulty sleeping, headache, nausea. Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, chest pain, hallucinations, seizure.

Precautions

Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, and able to see well. For diabetic patients this medicine may cause your blood sugar levels to rise. If you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar test or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Drug interactions

There may be other drugs that can affect baclofen. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Preganacy

The use of Miorel by pregnant women has not been evaluated. Baclofen can be detected in the breast milk of mothers taking oral baclofen. No information is available on the presence of baclofen in the breast milk of mothers receiving baclofen intrathecally.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Baclofen overdose symptoms may include muscle weakness, vomiting, drowsiness, dilated or pinpoint pupils, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Miorel. If you have any other questions about Miorel, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.