USMLE

Tizanidine

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Sympathomimetics and Sympatholytics
  1. Dopamine
  2. Fenoldopam
  3. Dobutamine
  4. Epinephrine
  5. Norepinephrine
  6. Isoproterenol
  7. Midodrine
  8. Phenylephrine and Pseudoephedrine
  9. (Alpha) Methyldopa
  10. Clonidine (and Guanfacine)
  11. Tizanidine

Summary

Tizanidine is an alpha-2 activating drug used to treat muscle spasms in a variety of conditions. Side effects of tizanidine include hypotension.

Key Points

  • Tizanidine
    • Mechanism
      • Centrally-acting alpha-2 receptor agonist
        • Related to clonidine, but less effective on modulating sympathetic outflow to heart and blood vessels
    • Indications
      • Muscle spasticity (antispasmodic)
        • Mechanism for relief is unclear
        • e.g. Multiple sclerosis, ALS, Cerebral Palsy
    • Side Effects
      • Hypotension