Tizanidine
Tizanidine sits in the Pain & Anti-inflammatories range as a muscle relaxant that eases spasms and stiffness from conditions like multiple sclerosis and spinal injury. The one product here is Tizacare, a 2 mg tablet.
Key points
- Skeletal muscle relaxant that slows nerve signals in the brain and spinal cord, letting tight muscles ease.
- Effects last only 3 to 6 hours, which means the medicine can be timed to cover the periods when symptoms are worst.
- Stopping tizanidine all at once can raise heart rate and blood pressure and tighten muscles further; the dose should come down in steps.
How does Tizanidine work?
Tizanidine slows the nerve signals sent from the brain and spinal cord that tell muscles to contract. With fewer of those signals firing, tight muscles ease and Muscle Spasms reduce. The tizanidine effect wears off within a few hours, so the medicine can be timed to cover the periods when Spasticity is worst, such as overnight.
Further reading
What is tizanidine used for?
Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant used to ease spasms and stiffness from conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal injury. It belongs to the alpha-2 adrenergic agonist class of medicines.
How does tizanidine work?
Tizanidine slows the nerve signals sent from the brain and spinal cord that tell muscles to contract, so tight muscles ease and muscle spasms are reduced. It works by stimulating central presynaptic alpha-2 receptors and decreasing the release of excitatory amino acids to relax motor neurons.
How long does tizanidine take to work?
Tizanidine starts to work within 1 to 2 hours. Its effect wears off within a few hours, so it can be timed to cover the periods when spasticity is worst, such as overnight.
What are the side effects of tizanidine?
Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness (somnolence) and dizziness. Some people also experience fatigue, hypotension or a headache, and serious reactions such as severe liver damage (hepatotoxicity) or severe orthostatic hypotension need immediate medical attention. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are worried about any of these.
Can tizanidine be taken with other medicines or alcohol?
Tizanidine interacts with ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine and alcohol, and it should not be taken together with fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining it with anything else.
What tizanidine products are available?
On Direct Meds, tizanidine comes as Tizacare. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
What does tizanidine cost in rand?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Is tizanidine available over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order tizanidine. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy tizanidine online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →