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Tizanidine Hydrochloride: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Tizanidine Hydrochloride is a centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant primarily indicated for the management of spasticity.

Forms:Tablet

About Tizanidine Hydrochloride

Indications of Tizanidine Hydrochloride

Tizanidine Hydrochloride is a centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant primarily indicated for the management of spasticity. Its uses are classified by strength of evidence as follows:

Established / Approved Uses

  • Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis (increased muscle tone, muscle spasms, and associated pain, clonus, and involuntary movements).
  • Spasticity resulting from spinal cord injury.

Off-Label Use

  • Tizanidine Hydrochloride is commonly used off-label, particularly for short-term relief of painful acute musculoskeletal muscle spasm (e.g., due to spinal disorders or post-surgical conditions), although this is not a formally FDA-approved indication.

Tizanidine Hydrochloride is intended as a short-acting agent, and dosing is typically reserved for times when relief of spasticity is most required.

Dosage & Administration of Tizanidine Hydrochloride

Dosing of Tizanidine Hydrochloride by Indication

IndicationPopulationDosing
Spasticity (MS, spinal cord injury)AdultsStart at 2 mg orally, may repeat/increase in 2-4 mg increments every 6-8 hours as needed; usual effective range 8-24 mg/day given as up to 3 doses; maximum 36 mg/day and no more than 3 doses in 24 hours.
Acute musculoskeletal muscle spasm (off-label)AdultsCommonly 2-4 mg every 6-8 hours as needed, not exceeding the maximum daily dose; short-term use only, guided by a physician.
Any indicationPediatric (<18 years)Safety and efficacy not established; see Pediatric Use.
Any indicationHepatic/Renal impairmentSee Use in Special Populations for dose adjustment.

Doses should be individualized and titrated to the lowest effective dose based on response and tolerability. Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use of higher doses should be avoided (see Precautions).

Side Effects of Tizanidine Hydrochloride

Common side effects of Tizanidine Hydrochloride include:

  • Dry mouth (very common)
  • Drowsiness / somnolence (very common, often dose-limiting)
  • Dizziness
  • Asthenia / muscular weakness
  • Hypotension
  • Nausea, constipation

Less common but clinically important effects include elevated liver enzymes/hepatotoxicity (see Precautions), bradycardia, hallucinations, and urinary tract infection. Sedation and hypotension are dose-related and most pronounced within 1-3 hours after dosing.

Contraindications of Tizanidine Hydrochloride

Tizanidine Hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Tizanidine Hydrochloride or any component of the formulation.
  • Concurrent use with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors, specifically fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin, due to the risk of markedly elevated Tizanidine Hydrochloride plasma levels causing severe hypotension and excessive sedation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tizanidine Hydrochloride

What is Tizanidine Hydrochloride used for?

Tizanidine Hydrochloride is mainly used to treat spasticity (increased muscle tone and spasms) caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. It is also used off-label for short-term relief of painful muscle spasms.

How should I take Tizanidine Hydrochloride?

Take Tizanidine Hydrochloride exactly as prescribed by your physician, either always with food or always without food, since this affects how it works. Do not change how you take it without medical advice.

Can I drive or operate machinery while taking Tizanidine Hydrochloride?

Tizanidine Hydrochloride commonly causes drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks requiring alertness until you know how Tizanidine Hydrochloride affects you.

Can I stop taking Tizanidine Hydrochloride suddenly?

No. Stopping Tizanidine Hydrochloride abruptly after prolonged use, especially at higher doses, can cause rebound high blood pressure, fast heart rate, and worsened spasticity. Your physician will guide you on tapering the dose gradually.

Is Tizanidine Hydrochloride safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Tizanidine Hydrochloride should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Its safety during breastfeeding is not well established, so consult your physician before use in either situation.

What medicines should not be combined with Tizanidine Hydrochloride?

Tizanidine Hydrochloride must not be taken with fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin, as these significantly raise Tizanidine Hydrochloride levels in the blood and can cause severe low blood pressure and excessive sedation. Always inform your physician of all medicines you take.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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