Baclofen for Alcoholics

Study suggests baclofen may promote alcohol abstinence in alcoholics with cirrhosis.

"Baclofen promotes alcohol abstinence in alcoholics with cirrhosis of the liver," according to a study published in the Dec. 8 issue of the journal The Lancet.

In the study, researchers observed "84 alcohol-dependent patients with liver cirrhosis." Half of the patients received baclofen, while the other half received a placebo. Seventy-one percent of patients taking baclofen "achieved and maintained alcohol abstinence, compared to 29 percent...of those who took the placebo." Furthermore, those who took baclofen "abstained from alcohol for more than twice as long as those taking the placebo -- 62.8 days vs. 30.8 days."

       

D uring "'trials of anti-craving drugs, individuals with high amounts of aminotransferases, advanced liver disease, or both, are typically excluded because these agents undergo extensive liver metabolism and drug-related liver damage is possible,' the authors noted." But, most "of baclofen is eliminated in unmodified form by the kidneys. As such, the agent offers the potential for pharmacologic treatment of alcohol dependence in patients with cirrhosis."

According to the researchers, the drug "was well tolerated, and no patients had liver-related side effects." This was further demonstrated "by a decrease in aminotransferase concentrations.More "studies are needed to define the optimal duration of treatment, assess possible tolerance to the drug in a more prolonged regimen, and define the role for baclofen in clinical practice," the researchers wrote.