Baclofen oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP on March 3, 2023.

This article describes baclofen oral tablet’s dosages, strengths, and details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for baclofen.

Baclofen oral tablet is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version. Baclofen comes in other oral forms, such as granules, solution, and liquid suspension (mixture). And it comes as a solution for injection into the spinal fluid. But these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.

If you want to know more about baclofen oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Forms and strengths of baclofen

Baclofen oral tablet comes as follows:

• Form: tablet that you swallow
• Strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, and 20 mg

Dosage of baclofen

This article describes the recommended dosages* for baclofen oral tablet.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you. Do not change your dosage of baclofen without your doctor’s recommendation.

* The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages. If your doctor prescribes baclofen, be sure to take the dosage they prescribe for you.

Usual recommended dosages of baclofen in adults

Baclofen is used to treat muscle spasms and the symptoms of muscle spasms due to the following conditions in adults:

• multiple sclerosis
• spinal cord injuries or diseases

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of baclofen oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of baclofen that gives the desired outcome.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed. That said, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs.

The following dosages are typically used in adults:

• Starting dosage with gradual increases every 3 days:
  • Days 1, 2, and 3: 5 milligrams (mg) three times per day
  • Days 4, 5, and 6: 10 mg three times per day
  • Days 7, 8, and 9: 15 mg three times per day
  • Days 10, 11, and 12: 20 mg three times per day
• Maintenance dosage: 40 to 80 mg daily divided into three or four doses throughout the day
• Maximum dosage: 80 mg daily divided into four 20-mg doses throughout the day

Dosages of baclofen in children

Baclofen is approved for use in children ages 12 years and older. The recommended dosages for children are the same as the adult dosages above.

Note: Baclofen is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years old.

Dosage adjustments for baclofen

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of baclofen oral tablet based on several factors, including:

• the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
• your age
• other health conditions you may have
• other medications you take

Missed dose of baclofen

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of baclofen oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

Do not take a double dose of baclofen to make up for a missed dose.

For tips on how to plan your doses of baclofen oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about baclofen oral tablet and its dosage.

Is there a baclofen 10-mg dose for back pain or nerve pain?

No, there isn’t a recommended dose of baclofen for back pain or nerve pain. This is because the drug is not approved to treat these conditions.  

Baclofen is approved to treat muscle spasms and the symptoms that may occur with them. Pain is a common symptom of muscle spasms. So your doctor may prescribe baclofen to help ease your pain.

Doctors may prescribe baclofen off-label to treat back pain or nerve pain. Off-label use means prescribing a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Talk with your doctor about the dosage of baclofen oral tablets that will best fit your needs.

Is there a risk of withdrawal with baclofen?

Yes, baclofen has a risk of withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. Withdrawal describes symptoms that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on.

In studies, baclofen caused severe withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations and seizures.

If you’re interested in stopping treatment with baclofen, talk with your doctor first. They’ll slowly reduce your dosage to help avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Is baclofen used long term?

Baclofen can be used either short term or long term.

You and your doctor will determine whether it’s safe and effective for you to take baclofen short or long term.

How baclofen is taken

You’ll swallow baclofen oral tablets with or without food. If you have an upset stomach when you take the drug, taking baclofen with food or milk can help ease this.

You’ll typically take baclofen three times per day. And your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same times each day. This can help the drug work more effectively because it keeps a consistent amount of the drug in your body.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Baclofen coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for baclofen when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

Overdose of baclofen

It’s important that you do not take more baclofen than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of baclofen overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• slowed breathing
• drowsiness
• vomiting
• muscle weakness
• trouble focusing your eyes
• seizures
• coma

What to do if you take too much baclofen

If you think you’ve taken too much baclofen, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for baclofen oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of baclofen oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take baclofen exactly as your doctor prescribes it.

Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Will my baclofen dosage be lower if I have kidney problems?
• If I take a larger baclofen dose, will I have an increased risk of side effects?
• Should I take baclofen oral tablets with food?
• If I have to stop taking baclofen, how long will it take to taper off?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.