Medical Terminology

baclofen

Baclofen (Lioresal, Gablofen, Beklo, Baclodol, Flexibac, Kemstro, Liofen, Lyflex, Clofen, Muslofen, Baklofen, Sclerofen) is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist used primarily as a muscle relaxant to relieve the painful and uncomfortable muscle spasms caused by a variety of conditions. It is known to be particularly useful in treating muscle spasticity (i.e., continuous contraction or tightness) associated with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. It was approved by the U.S. FDA in 1977 for the management of reversible spasticity. Some small studies suggest possible therapeutic potential for baclofen as a treatment for sleep disorders; however, a 2009 study by researchers in Taiwan, involving 26 teenagers with narcolepsy, found that while baclofen increased total sleep time and delta waves during sleep, it did not improve daytime sleepiness or cataplexy. Read more about baclofen at MedlinePlus.gov HERE.