The white, round pill with the imprint “024” is a 10 mg tablet of baclofen. This medication is classified as a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic agent, available only by prescription. The “024” marking specifically identifies the 10 mg strength produced by TruPharma LLC. Baclofen is prescribed to manage muscle stiffness and tightness.
Conditions Treated by Baclofen
Baclofen is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating muscle spasticity. This includes stiffness, tightness, and spasms resulting from multiple sclerosis. It is also prescribed for managing spasticity caused by spinal cord injuries or other diseases of the spinal cord. The medication works by acting on nerves in the central nervous system to relax the muscles, which helps reduce muscle spasms, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
Beyond its approved uses, healthcare providers may prescribe baclofen for off-label purposes. Common off-label applications include managing musculoskeletal pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and alcohol use disorder, where it may help reduce cravings. It’s important that baclofen is only used for these conditions under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional.
Proper Administration and Dosage
Baclofen is an oral medication that can be taken with or without food. Following the specific instructions provided by a healthcare provider is important for its safe and effective use. The dosage is carefully determined by a doctor based on the patient’s condition and response to the treatment. It is not advisable to change the dose or stop taking the medication without consulting a medical professional first.
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed one should be skipped. It is important to avoid taking a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
Side Effects and Important Precautions
Common side effects of baclofen include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fatigue
These effects are more likely to occur when starting the medication or when the dosage is increased. Because of the potential for drowsiness and dizziness, it is recommended to avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you know how the medication affects you. Consuming alcohol while taking baclofen can intensify these side effects and should be avoided.
Some side effects are more serious and require immediate medical attention. These can include:
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Significant changes in mood
It is important to contact a healthcare provider right away if any of these severe reactions occur.
A significant precaution with baclofen is the risk associated with suddenly stopping the medication. Abruptly discontinuing baclofen can lead to a withdrawal reaction, which may include hallucinations, seizures, and a return of severe muscle spasticity. To prevent this, a doctor will typically recommend a gradual reduction in the dose over a period of time before stopping it completely. This tapering process allows the body to adjust to the absence of the medication safely.