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