Baclofen in the Treatment of Spasticity

Baclofen† (Lioresal), a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid, was introduced in 1966 as a possible treatment for spasticity due to corticospinal tract lesions. Preliminary studies suggested that it may be more effective than other spasmolytic agents currently available, and a double-blind controlled trial in a group of 23 patients against placebo has shown it to be significantly more effective.