Tizanidine

Tizanidine is a drug used for the short-term treatment of spasticity. It is designed to be used for those occasions where it is most important for spasticity to be under control. The capsules or tablets are taken up to three times a day, and each dose lasts between three and six hours. Common side effects include dry mouth, weakness, and drowsiness.

Tizanidine HCL Drug Information

What Is Tizanidine?

Tizanidine hydrochloride (Zanaflex^®) is a prescription medication used to treat spasticity, a condition involving muscle spasms, cramps, and tightness that is often caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injuries or diseases. It is short-acting (each dose only lasts for a few hours) and should be reserved for daily activities when spasticity control is most important.

(Click What Is Tizanidine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with tizanidine.

However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.

Some of the most common side effects of tizanidine include but are not limited to:

Weakness, fatigue, or tiredness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth.

(Click Tizanidine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

Tizanidine Article Continues on Next Page >