Liofen 5 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

LIOFEN 5 MG TABLET (10 TAB)

Name

• Brand Name: Liofen 5 MG Tablet
• Common Name: Baclofen

Composition

Liofen 5 MG Tablet contains Baclofen 5 mg as its active ingredient.

Uses

Liofen 5 MG Tablet is a muscle relaxant and antispastic agent used to alleviate symptoms of spasticity (muscle stiffness, tension, and tightness). It is prescribed for conditions such as:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases
• Cerebral palsy
• Cerebrovascular accidents (stroke)
• Motor neuron disease
• Rheumatic disorders (for associated pain, clonus, and muscular rigidity)
• Neoplastic or degenerative brain diseases

It works by relaxing muscles, reducing muscle spasms, and improving mobility and function.

Dosage and Administration

Liofen 5 MG Tablet should be taken orally with a small amount of liquid during or after meals.

• Adults: Therapy typically begins with a low dose, such as 5 mg three times daily, and is gradually increased by the doctor to achieve the best response. The usual daily dose for adults ranges from 30-80 mg, divided into multiple doses, and should generally not exceed a maximum daily dose of 80 mg (though in hospital settings, up to 100 mg daily may be used).
• Children: Treatment should start with a very low dose, such as 0.3 mg/kg per day, divided into multiple doses, and gradually increased. The total daily dose for children below 8 years should not exceed 40 mg/day, and for children over 8 years, a maximum of 60 mg/day. It is not suitable for children weighing less than 33 kg.
• Special Populations: Lower doses (approximately 5 mg per day) should be considered for patients with impaired renal function or those undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

Do not stop taking this medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations and seizures.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness, dizziness
• Weakness, fatigue
• Nausea, constipation
• Headache
• Insomnia, nightmares
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Hypotonia (decreased muscle tone)
• Frequent or increased urination (pollakiuria), urinary retention
• Confusion, agitation

Serious Side Effects:

• Hallucinations
• Epileptic seizures
• Respiratory depression
• Severe allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing)
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Encephalopathy (reduction in brain function)

Precautions

• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of respiratory depression.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Liofen 5 MG Tablet may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Caution is advised, and it should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution and close monitoring in patients with kidney problems, liver problems, heart conditions, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, depression, epilepsy/seizure disorders, diabetes, peptic ulcers, or a history of stroke.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, herbal preparations, and supplements you are taking. Increased sedation may occur with other CNS depressants, alcohol, or synthetic opiates. Concomitant use with antihypertensives may amplify the drop in blood pressure. Tricyclic antidepressants may intensify Baclofen's effects, and MAO inhibitors may increase CNS depressant effects.
• Abrupt Withdrawal: Do not stop treatment suddenly without medical advice, as it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Storage

Store Liofen 5 MG Tablet at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) or below 30°C. Keep it away from light and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

What is LIOFEN 5 MG TABLET used for?

Liofen 5 MG Tablet is a muscle relaxant primarily used to treat spasticity, which involves muscle stiffness, rigidity, tension, and spasms. These symptoms can arise from various conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries or diseases, cerebral palsy, and cerebrovascular accidents. It helps alleviate pain and improves muscle movement and function.

How does LIOFEN 5 MG TABLET work?

Liofen 5 MG Tablet contains Baclofen, which acts as a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant. It works by stimulating GABAB receptors in the spinal cord, which in turn inhibits the release of certain excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate and aspartate. This action reduces the excitability of nerves that control muscle contraction, leading to muscle relaxation and improved movement while generally maintaining muscle strength.

What is the usual dosage of LIOFEN 5 MG TABLET?

For adults, Liofen 5 MG Tablet is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased to achieve the best response, usually administered in divided doses three times a day, preferably with or after meals. The typical daily dose ranges from 30-80 mg, but generally should not exceed 80 mg per day. For children, treatment begins with a very low dose, such as 0.3 mg/kg per day, divided into multiple doses, and is cautiously increased every 1-2 weeks. Patients with impaired renal function may require lower doses, around 5 mg per day.

What are the possible side effects of LIOFEN 5 MG TABLET?

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, constipation, headache, dry mouth, low blood pressure (hypotension), and decreased muscle tone (hypotonia). Less common but more serious side effects can include insomnia, confusion, hallucinations, depression, blurred vision, and, rarely, epileptic seizures or respiratory depression.

Is LIOFEN 5 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: The safety of Liofen 5 MG Tablet during pregnancy has not been fully established, as it can cross the placental barrier. It is categorized as pregnancy category B3. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the fetus, and always under a doctor's supervision.

Breastfeeding: While a component of Liofen 5 MG Tablet is excreted into breast milk, the quantities are usually minimal, and adverse effects on the infant are not generally expected with normal doses. However, it is still advisable to consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Can LIOFEN 5 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

Yes, but caution is advised. Taking Liofen 5 MG Tablet with other central nervous system depressants, alcohol, or synthetic opiates can increase sedation and the risk of respiratory depression. It may amplify the drop in blood pressure when combined with antihypertensives. Concurrently administering it with tricyclic antidepressants may intensify its pharmacological effects, leading to pronounced muscular hypotonia. Also, in individuals with Parkinson's disease taking levodopa and carbidopa, it has been associated with mental confusion, hallucinations, headaches, nausea, and agitation. Using it with MAO inhibitors may result in increased CNS depressant effects.

What precautions should be taken while taking LIOFEN 5 MG TABLET?

It is crucial not to stop taking Liofen 5 MG Tablet suddenly, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations and seizures. Exercise caution if you have kidney or liver problems, as dose adjustments may be necessary and liver function may be affected. Due to potential drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medicine affects you. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can increase drowsiness. Patients with psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, depression, manic disorders, epilepsy, or a history of stroke should be treated with caution and closely monitored.

What happens if a dose of LIOFEN 5 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of Liofen 5 MG Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

How should LIOFEN 5 MG TABLET be stored?

Liofen 5 MG Tablet should be stored at room temperature, ideally below 30°C (or between 20 to 25°C), protected from light and moisture. Always keep the medicine out of the reach of children.