Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 2:49 pm
How tizanidine works
- It is thought that tizanidine blocks impulses through the nerves that cause muscles to tighten, thus reducing the level of spasticity.
How is tizanidine given?
- Tizanidine is taken orally as a tablet. Medication can be increased in steps until the desired effect is achieved or side effects become a problem.
Side effects and contraindications
- The most frequent side effects are tiredness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Liver function tests should be checked during the first months of treatment. Whilst tizanidine can cause muscle weakness, this seems to be significantly less than that caused by other spasticity drugs.
- It is thought that tizanidine blocks impulses through the nerves that cause muscles to tighten, thus reducing the level of spasticity.
How is tizanidine given?
- Tizanidine is taken orally as a tablet. Medication can be increased in steps until the desired effect is achieved or side effects become a problem.
Side effects and contraindications
- The most frequent side effects are tiredness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Liver function tests should be checked during the first months of treatment. Whilst tizanidine can cause muscle weakness, this seems to be significantly less than that caused by other spasticity drugs.