Update on tizanidine for muscle spasticity and emerging indications.

Background: Tizanidine hydrochloride, an alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor agonist, is a widely used medication for the treatment of muscle spasticity. Clinical studies have supported its use in the management of spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis (MS), acquired brain injury or spinal cord injury. It has also been shown to be clinically effective in the management of pain syndromes, such as: myofascial pain, lower back pain and trigeminal neuralgia. This review summarizes the recent findings on the clinical application of tizanidine.

Objective: Our objective was to review and summarize the medical literature regarding the evidence for the usefulness of tizanidine in the management of spasticity and in pain syndromes such as myofascial pain.

Methods: We reviewed the current medical and pharmacology literature through various internet literature searches. This information was then synthesized and presented in paragraph and table form.

Results/conclusion: Tizanidine hydrochloride is a very useful medication in patients suffering from spasticity caused by MS, acquired brain injury or spinal cord injury. It can also be helpful in patients suffering from chronic neck and/or lower back pain who have a myofascial component to their pain. Doses should be started at low dose and gradually titrated to effect.