Tizanidine: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Tizanidine is a centrally acting alpha-2-adrenergic agonist used as a muscle relaxant. It is most commonly prescribed to manage spasticity, which can cause tight, stiff or difficult-to-control muscles.

Tizanidine requires a prescription in the United Kingdom. Generic tizanidine has been available since 2002-07-03, and it comes in several oral forms and strengths.

Tizanidine is a centrally acting alpha-2-adrenergic agonist. It reduces activity in nerve pathways within the brain and spinal cord that help control muscle tone. By reducing these nerve signals, it can lessen excessive muscle contraction and make muscles feel less tight or stiff.

The effect is short-lived, so its benefit may be most useful at selected times or during activities when spasticity causes the greatest difficulty. The same action can also reduce activity in other parts of the nervous system.

This helps explain possible effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, weakness and low blood pressure. The medicine does not repair the underlying condition causing spasticity.

Tizanidine is indicated for the management of spasticity. Spasticity means muscles may become unusually tight, stiff or difficult to control. The medicine may be used when relief is needed for particular daily activities or periods when muscle tightness causes the most difficulty.

Its therapeutic effect is short-lived, so treatment is reserved for times when relief of spasticity is most important. The product information does not list a specific underlying condition as the reason for treatment.

Spasticity can occur with conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord or nerves, but a prescriber decides whether tizanidine is suitable for an individual patient. It is not described as treating pain, inflammation or the underlying cause of spasticity.

The label lists oral capsules in 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, and 8 mg strengths, gelatin-coated oral capsules in 2 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg strengths, an oral solution of 2 mg/5 mL, and oral tablets in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths. The usual starting dose is 2 mg. The label lists repeat doses at 6 to 8 hour intervals, up to a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours.

The label lists increases of 2 mg to 4 mg per dose, with 1 to 4 days between increases. The label lists a total daily dose that should not exceed 36 mg.

The label lists gradual reduction when treatment is stopped, particularly after higher doses or prolonged treatment, to reduce withdrawal and rebound effects. Tablets may be prescribed with or without food, but the chosen routine should not be changed because food affects absorption differently for tablets and capsules.

Store at 25°C, with permitted excursions from 15° to 30°C. Keep the medicine in its original container, protected from children by a child-resistant closure. Keep it away from unsuitable heat, moisture and direct light, and store it as directed on the label to maintain quality.

A missed dose means a scheduled dose was not taken. The appropriate action depends on how near the next scheduled dose is and on the prescribed treatment plan. A pharmacist or prescriber can advise what to do.

Extra doses should not be used to make up for a missed dose, because tizanidine can cause low blood pressure, drowsiness, dizziness and slow heartbeat. Regular treatment should not be stopped suddenly without medical advice, as withdrawal and rebound effects can occur.

Tizanidine has not been studied in pregnant women. The label states that it should be given during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the unborn fetus. Animal studies did not show teratogenicity at some tested exposures, but increased gestation duration, prenatal and postnatal pup loss and developmental retardation occurred at other exposures.

It is not known whether tizanidine passes into human milk. Caution is advised when it is used by a breastfeeding woman. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.