Drug description:

Baclofen is a muscle relaxer and an antispastic agent.
It is indicated for the relief of spasticity of voluntary muscle resulting from disorders such as multiple sclerosis and other spinal lesions, including tumors of the spinal cord, motor neuron disease, syringomyelia, transverse myelitis and traumatic partial section of the spinal cord. Baclofen is dedicated for adults and children in the relief of spasticity of voluntary muscle arising from conditions such as cerebral palsy, cerebrovascular accidents, traumatic head injury and meningitis.

Mechanism of action:

Baclofen, a GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) derivative, is chemically unrelated to other antispastic agents and acts at spinal level, reducing spasticity and spasm. Baclofen depresses monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflex transmission, probably by simulating the GABAB-receptors, this simulation in turn inhibiting the release of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate.