Efficacy and safety of tolperisone versus baclofen among Chinese patients with spasticity associated with spinal cord injury: a non-randomized retrospective study

This study compares two muscle relaxants, tolperisone and baclofen, in treating spasticity (increased muscle tone) caused by spinal cord injury. It looks at how well each drug works, along with any side effects experienced by patients. Patients received either baclofen plus physical therapy, tolperisone plus physical therapy, or physical therapy alone. The researchers measured muscle tone, muscle strength, daily activity performance, and disability levels over six weeks. The results showed that both drug treatments, when combined with physical therapy, improved muscle tone and function compared to physical therapy alone. However, baclofen had more sedative side effects, while tolperisone was associated with digestive issues.

• 1
  Both baclofen plus physical therapy and tolperisone plus physical therapy significantly improved muscle tone and strength compared to physical therapy alone.
• 2
  Baclofen plus physical therapy was tentatively effective, while tolperisone plus physical therapy was slightly effective in improving overall outcomes.
• 3
  Baclofen caused more adverse effects related to sedation, such as asthenia, drowsiness, and sleepiness, while tolperisone was associated with dyspepsia and epigastric pain.