Clinical Medications Worksheets

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

baclofen Kemstro, Lioresal antispasticity agents 40mg PO 6 hr
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
Unknown Hrs-wks Unknown 5 mg 3 times daily. May increase q 3 days by 5 mg/dose up to 80
mg/day (some patients may have a better response to 4 divided doses)
Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
Treatment of reversible spasticity due to multiple sclerosis or N/A
spinal cord lesions
Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Inhibits reflexes at the spinal level. Decreased muscle Hypersensitivity
spasticity; bowel and bladder function may also be improved.
Common side effects
Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, nausea
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine
medicines (ask patient specifically) May cause ↑ in serum glucose, alkaline phosphatase, AST, and ALT
Morphine: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory- levels
depressant effects may be additively or synergistically Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these Instruct patient to take baclofen as directed. Take a missed dose within
effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. 1 hr; do not double doses. Caution patient to avoid abrupt withdrawal
Lorazepam: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory- of this medication because it may precipitate an acute withdrawal
depressant effects may be additively or synergistically reaction (hallucinations, increased spasticity, seizures, mental changes,
increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these restlessness). Discontinue baclofen gradually over 2 wk or more. May
effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. cause dizziness and drowsiness. Advise patient to avoid driving or
other activities requiring alertness until response to drug is known.
Instruct patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic
hypotension. Advise patient to avoid concurrent use of alcohol or other
CNS depressants while taking this medication. Instruct patient to
notify health care professional if frequent urge to urinate or painful
urination, constipation, nausea, headache, insomnia, tinnitus,
depression, or confusion persists.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this med? Check after giving
Assess muscle spasticity before and Abrupt cessation may result in fever, mental Observe patient for drowsiness,
periodically during therapy status changes, exaggerated rebound dizziness, or ataxia. May be
spasticity, and muscle rigidity. Advise patient alleviated by a change in dose.
not to miss scheduled refill appointments and Decrease in muscle spasticity and
to notify health care professional promptly if associated musculoskeletal pain with
signs of withdrawal occur. Advise patient to an increased ability to perform
report signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity activities of daily living
(rash, itching) promptly.