Baclofen for the treatment of acute low-back syndrome. A double-blind comparison with placebo

Abstract

The efficacy and safety of baclofen (30-80 mg daily) for the treatment of acute low-back syndrome were evaluated in a 14-day, double-blind, randomized study of 200 patients (100 baclofen, 100 placebo). Patients with initially severe or extremely severe symptoms (as opposed to moderate symptoms) benefitted most from treatment with baclofen. The incidence of adverse effects was significantly higher in the baclofen group; however, most were mild to moderate and disappeared in all but two patients who required a reduction in dosage, without reduced drug efficacy. Baclofen was shown to be effective, safe, and well-tolerated for the treatment of patients with acute low-back syndrome.