Tizanidine

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Sirdalud)

Tizanidine.svg

Muscle relaxant medication



Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant medication used to treat muscle spasticity due to conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. It is marketed under the brand name Zanaflex among others. Tizanidine works by blocking nerve impulses (pain sensations) that are sent to the brain.

Medical uses[edit | edit source]

Tizanidine is primarily used for the management of muscle spasticity. It is particularly effective in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and other disorders that cause muscle spasms. The medication is taken orally, and its effects typically begin within an hour of ingestion.

Mechanism of action[edit | edit source]

Tizanidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. It works by inhibiting the release of excitatory amino acids in the spinal cord, which reduces the activity of motor neurons. This leads to a decrease in muscle tone and spasticity.

Side effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of tizanidine include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and asthenia (weakness). Less common but more severe side effects can include hypotension (low blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and hepatotoxicity (liver damage). Patients are advised to monitor for signs of liver dysfunction and to have regular liver function tests.

Pharmacokinetics[edit | edit source]

Tizanidine has a bioavailability of approximately 40% when taken orally. It is metabolized in the liver and has an elimination half-life of about 2.5 hours. The drug and its metabolites are primarily excreted through the kidneys.

Contraindications[edit | edit source]

Tizanidine is contraindicated in patients with significant liver disease and those taking CYP1A2 inhibitors such as fluvoxamine and ciprofloxacin, as these can increase the concentration of tizanidine in the blood, leading to severe side effects.

Interactions[edit | edit source]

Tizanidine can interact with other medications, including antihypertensives, which can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects, and CNS depressants, which can increase sedation. It is important to inform healthcare providers of all medications being taken to avoid potential interactions.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD