What type of analgesic is recommended for a patient with spasticity?

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Analgésicos Recomendados para Pacientes con Espasticidad

Para pacientes con espasticidad, los medicamentos antiespásticos como tizanidina, baclofeno y dantroleno NO son analgésicos primarios, sino relajantes musculares que alivian el dolor secundario causado por la espasticidad misma. 1, 2

Clasificación de Medicamentos para Espasticidad

Los fármacos utilizados para tratar la espasticidad se clasifican según su mecanismo de acción:

Agentes de Acción Central

  • Baclofeno: Agonista GABA-B que actúa centralmente para reducir el tono muscular 2, 3
  • Tizanidina: Agonista alfa-2 adrenérgico de acción central, específicamente recomendado para pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular crónico 1, 4
  • Diazepam: Agonista GABA-A (NO recomendado durante la recuperación del accidente cerebrovascular debido a efectos deletéreos) 2, 5

Agentes de Acción Periférica

  • Dantroleno: Actúa directamente sobre el músculo esquelético, pero tiene advertencia de hepatotoxicidad potencialmente fatal 2, 5

Agentes Focales

  • Toxina botulínica: Preferida sobre baclofeno para espasticidad focal, especialmente en mano y extremidades superiores 2, 5

Algoritmo de Tratamiento para Dolor Relacionado con Espasticidad

Primera Línea (Enfoques No Farmacológicos)

  • Posicionamiento antiespástico, ejercicios de rango de movimiento, estiramiento, férulas y yesos seriados 1, 2

Segunda Línea (Farmacológico)

  • Para espasticidad generalizada: Baclofeno oral (30-80 mg/día dividido en 3-4 dosis) o tizanidina (dosis inicial 2 mg hasta tres veces al día, titulando hasta 24-36 mg/día) 1, 2, 5
  • Para espasticidad focal: Toxina botulínica como primera opción farmacológica 2, 5

Tercera Línea (Casos Refractarios)

  • Baclofeno intratecal: Para espasticidad severa que no responde a medicamentos orales, requiriendo solo 10% de la dosis sistémica 2

Consideraciones Importantes sobre Analgesia

El baclofeno NO es un analgésico primario - tiene datos mínimos que respaldan su uso para dolor fuera de condiciones relacionadas con espasticidad 2. Para dolor neuropático en pacientes con espasticidad, considere:

  • Gabapentinoides (pregabalina, gabapentina): Analgésicos adyuvantes de primera línea para dolor neuropático según la American Geriatrics Society 2
  • Antidepresivos tricíclicos o duloxetina: Para dolor musculoesquelético 1, 2

Precauciones Críticas de Seguridad

  • Nunca suspender abruptamente el baclofeno: Puede causar síndrome de abstinencia potencialmente mortal con fiebre alta, estado mental alterado y espasticidad de rebote 2
  • Iniciar con dosis bajas: Baclofeno 5-10 mg/día, tizanidina 2 mg hasta tres veces al día, titulando lentamente para minimizar efectos secundarios 2, 5
  • Monitorear función hepática: Especialmente con dantroleno (advertencia de caja negra) y tizanidina 2, 5
  • Efectos aditivos del SNC: El baclofeno potencia los efectos del alcohol y otros depresores del SNC 3
  • Ajuste renal: Pacientes con insuficiencia renal moderada o mayor deben iniciar con la dosis más baja (5 mg/día) 2

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Baclofen Use in Pain Management

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

Guideline

Tizanidine vs Baclofen for Muscle Spasticity

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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