baclofen

noun

bac·​lo·​fen ˈbak-lō-ˌfen 

: a gamma-aminobutyric acid analog C₁₀H₁₂ClNO₂ used as a relaxant of skeletal muscle especially in treating spasticity (as in multiple sclerosis)

Examples of baclofen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The device delivers the anti-spasticity medication baclofen directly into the spinal fluid to help relax muscles and ease spasticity. — Tricia Despres, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

Amid recurring flare-ups, the legendary country music star decided to undergo surgery in March 2025 to implant a baclofen pump. — Tricia Despres, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

Other treatments, such as rituximab, also clear antibodies, while others relieve the symptoms, including baclofen or Valium (diazepam). — Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 9 Dec. 2022

At issue is a drug called baclofen, a decades-old treatment for muscle spasms that is increasingly used in France on an off-label basis to help people control their drinking. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 25 June 2020

Oral meds, such as baclofen, cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and benzodiazepines like diazepam, are often required for generalized dystonia to reduce muscle spasm. — Claire Gillespie, Health.com, 9 Dec. 2019

Doctors hand out more than 8 million prescriptions of baclofen every year. — Dennis Thompson, chicagotribune.com, 17 Nov. 2019

Garg and other doctors had started noticing that kidney patients on baclofen sometimes became disoriented and dazed. — Dennis Thompson, chicagotribune.com, 17 Nov. 2019

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from beta + chloro- + -fen, altered from phenyl, parts of the compound's systematic name

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

baclofen

noun

bac·​lo·​fen ˈbak-lō-ˌfen 

: a gamma-aminobutyric acid analog C₁₀H₁₂ClNO₂ used as a relaxant of skeletal muscle especially in treating spasticity (as in multiple sclerosis)