Baclofen, a normally prescribed muscle relaxant, can leave elderly kidney patients so confused, in turn, landing them in the hospital, as cautioned by a new study. Dr. Amit Garg, Senior Researcher and Nephrology Professor at Western University in Ontario, said, “It can show off acute stroke-like signs, although it is not a stroke. It can show off dementia-like signs.”

Around 1 in 25 individuals with low kidney function recommended high baclofen doses end up getting hospitalized for severe confusion, as per a study of almost 16,000 older Canadians suffering from CKD (chronic kidney disease). Usually, baclofen is recommended to individuals experiencing muscle spasms, said Garg. It is retailed under several brand names, comprising Gablofen, Kemstro, and Lioresal. He explained that the drug departs the body when it is filtered out from an individual’s blood by the kidneys. Garg said, “If anybody’s kidney function is not in sync, that means the medication is amassing in the system.” He and other doctors had begun observing that kidney patients on this drug at times became dazed and disoriented.

Patients were at higher hospitalization risk for disorder if their kidney function was very comprised—30% or less—and had been given a high baclofen dose, over 20 mg/day. The individuals given baclofen doses of 20 mg/day or more had almost 20x the relative risk of being admitted to the hospital for an altered mental state, in comparison with individuals not consuming the drug, found the team.

Likewise, Ayogo Health Inc. and Baxter declared that they are introducing the pilot of a smartphone app, CKD&Me, which customizes educational material with the learning needs of chronic kidney disease patients, in numerous nephrology practices throughout the US. The app is developed to supplement education programs offered by nephrologists and their associates by providing pre-dialysis tutoring for individuals so they can positively involve in their kidney care and contribute to shared decision-making regarding their therapy selections.