Generic name: Baclofen Intrathecal Injection [ BAK-loe-fen ]
Brand names: Gablofen, Lioresal
Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 18, 2023.

Uses of Lioresal:

• It is used to relax muscles.
• It is used to treat spasms in patients with MS (multiple sclerosis) or spinal cord disease.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Lioresal?

• If you are allergic to Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection); any part of Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have an infection.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Lioresal?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection) affects you.
• Do not stop taking Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection) all of a sudden without calling your doctor. You may have a greater risk of side effects. If you need to stop Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection), you will want to slowly stop it as ordered by your doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Taking Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection) during pregnancy may lead to withdrawal in the newborn.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Lioresal) best taken?

Use Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given into the spine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Feeling confused.
• Change in how often urine is passed.
• Mental, mood, or behavior changes that are new or worse.
• Seizures.
• Change in eyesight.
• Chest pain.
• Muscle pain or weakness.
• Muscle stiffness.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• Blood in the urine.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Trouble controlling body movements, twitching, change in balance, trouble swallowing or speaking.
• Not able to control eye movements.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Lioresal?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Headache.
• Constipation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Lioresal?

• If you need to store Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Lioresal (baclofen intrathecal injection), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer