Reconsidering the ethics of off-label medication use: A response to Braillon and Naudet on baclofen use in alcohol use disorders in India

High diffusion of the use of baclofen in patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD) in India has raised concerns from Braillon and Naudet. They say the practice is based on poor evidence and ignores possible harms to patients. This article critiques their arguments and makes a reasoned, ethical, and evidence-informed case for baclofen as a treatment option for AUD, albeit a second-line one, especially because of issues with acceptability and cost of other approved pharmacotherapies.

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Publication Details

Journal
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics
Published
2025-08-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.20529/ijme.2025.065
Primary Topic
Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Reconsidering the ethics of off-label medication use: A response to Braillon and Naudet on baclofen use in alcohol use disorders in India

Dheeraj Kattula
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics
Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints
article

Reconsidering the ethics of off-label medication use: A response to Braillon and Naudet on baclofen use in alcohol use disorders in India

Dheeraj Kattula
article en

Abstract

High diffusion of the use of baclofen in patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD) in India has raised concerns from Braillon and Naudet. They say the practice is based on poor evidence and ignores possible harms to patients. This article critiques their arguments and makes a reasoned, ethical, and evidence-informed case for baclofen as a treatment option for AUD, albeit a second-line one, especially because of issues with acceptability and cost of other approved pharmacotherapies.

Indian Journal of Medical EthicsVol. X(4)
Christian Medical College, Vellore (IN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 70%
Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints
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