Baclofen Overdose

OVERDOSAGE Special attention must be given to recognizing the signs and symptoms of overdosage, especially during the initial screening and dose-titration phase of treatment, but also during re-introduction of baclofen injection (intrathecal) after a period of interruption in therapy.

Symptoms of Baclofen Injection (Intrathecal) Overdose: Drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, somnolence, respiratory depression, hypothermia, seizures, rostral progression of hypotonia and loss of consciousness progressing to coma of up to 72 hr. duration.

In most cases reported, coma was reversible without sequelae after drug was discontinued.

Symptoms of baclofen injection (intrathecal) overdose were reported in a sensitive adult patient after receiving a 25 mcg intrathecal bolus.

Treatment Suggestions for Overdose: There is no specific antidote for treating overdoses of baclofen injection (intrathecal); however, the following steps should ordinarily be undertaken: 1) Residual baclofen injection (intrathecal) solution should be removed from the pump as soon as possible.

2) Patients with respiratory depression should be intubated if necessary, until the drug is eliminated.

If lumbar puncture is not contraindicated, consideration should be given to withdrawing 30 to 40 mL of CSF to reduce CSF baclofen concentration.