Tizanidine
Zanaflex is a short-acting muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasticity, a condition characterized by painful muscle stiffness and tightness. It works by blocking nerve impulses from the spine to the muscles, helping to reduce muscle tone and improve mobility. The medication is typically prescribed for spasticity related to neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or other disorders affecting the central nervous system.
Zanaflex is a muscle relaxant that helps relieve painful muscle stiffness and spasticity caused by neurological conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 153736
- Generic
- Zanaflex
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of muscle spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and other neurological conditions. It helps reduce muscle stiffness, pain, and involuntary muscle contractions to improve mobility and comfort.
Zanaflex is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that acts in the central nervous system. It reduces spasticity by inhibiting motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to decreased muscle tone. Effects are relatively short-acting, typically lasting 3-6 hours per dose.
May cause drowsiness and dizziness; avoid alcohol and operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Blood pressure should be monitored as the medication can cause hypotension. Do not stop taking abruptly without medical supervision. Tablets and capsules are not interchangeable despite containing the same ingredient. Tizanidine is significantly metabolized by the liver; use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy