Intrathecal baclofen: does tolerance occur?

M N Akman; P G Loubser; W H Donovan; M E O'Neill; C D Rossi

doi:10.1038/sc.1993.84

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Intrathecal baclofen: does tolerance occur?

M N Akman·P G Loubser·W H Donovan·M E O'Neill·C D Rossi

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Abstract

Concern over the development of tolerance in patients on continuous intrathecal baclofen therapy has arisen as this new form of treatment for spasticity has gained wider use. We have studied time-dose relationships in 18 spinal cord injured patients who have undergone intrathecal baclofen infusion pump implantation since February 1988 in our facility. Our data show that there was a significant increase in baclofen dosage needed to control spasticity during the first 12 months post implantation. After 12 months, however, no significant changes in dosage requirement was detected. In addition, there was no significant difference between completely and incompletely spinal cord injured patients with regard to both the initial dose and the tolerance trend.

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Baclofen Dose-Response Relationship, Drug Drug Tolerance Humans Infusion Pumps, Implantable Injections, Spinal Muscle Spasticity Spinal Cord Injuries Time Factors Journal Article Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

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M N Akman, P G Loubser, W H Donovan, M E O'Neill, C D Rossi. 1993. Intrathecal baclofen: does tolerance occur?. https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1993.84

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