*Review of Gastroesophageal Reflux Pharmacotherapy Management DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.106338*

Baclofen oral formulation onset of action is almost instantaneous; the medication is rapidly absorbed following administration [48, 49]. Dosing recommendations for refractory GERD patients is a trial of 5–20 mg given three times a day and must be dose-adjusted in CrCL < 80 ml/min since the kidney excretes 70–85% of baclofen as unchanged drug and metabolites [4, 48, 49].

Some limitations to baclofen use are the lack of long-term data as well as the side effects profile of the medication. Common side effects of baclofen include confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, hypotonia, nausea, vomiting, and weakness [48, 49]. Severe side effects that may occur with baclofen are pulmonary embolism, renal failure, rhabdomyolysis, seizures, stroke, thrombosis, and ventricular tachycardia [48, 49].

Concurrent use of baclofen with opioid medications increases the risk of sedation and somnolence [48, 49]. Opioid medications for pain should be limited to patients who cannot tolerate alternative treatment options [48, 49]. Cough medications containing opioid medication should be avoided as well [48, 49].
