NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Tizanidine

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

A centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used for the management of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Tizanidine provides muscle relaxation with shorter duration of action than baclofen, which may be advantageous for treating intermittent spasticity.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2023–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

A centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used for the management of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 2–8 mg every 6–8 hours as needed; maximum 36 mg/day in 3 divided doses (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Reduction of spasticity from MS and spinal cord injury6
  • Short duration of action useful for intermittent spasticity
  • Relief of increased muscle tone7
  • May be used for tension headache prophylaxis (off-label)
What to watch for
  • Drowsiness and sedation
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Known hypersensitivity to tizanidine1,2
  • Concurrent use with fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin (potent CYP1A2 inhibitors, significant drug interaction)

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: reduction of spasticity from ms and spinal cord injury, short duration of action useful for intermittent spasticity, relief of increased muscle tone. 10 sources indexed (2023–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Acts as an agonist at alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the spinal cord and brainstem, increasing presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons. By reducing the release of excitatory amino acids from spinal interneurons, tizanidine decreases polysynaptic reflex activity, thereby reducing muscle tone. It also has some activity at imidazoline receptors.

Class
Skeletal Muscle Relaxant (Antispastic)
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
2–8 mg every 6–8 hours as needed; maximum 36 mg/day in 3 divided doses (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet or capsule

Food increases peak concentration and extent of absorption; should be taken consistently either with or without food (not interchangeably)

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Drowsiness and sedation
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Hypotension
  • Asthenia (weakness)
  • Hepatotoxicity (elevated liver enzymes; rare liver failure)
  • Bradycardia

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to tizanidine1,2
  • Concurrent use with fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin (potent CYP1A2 inhibitors, significant drug interaction)
  • Significant hepatic impairment
  • Caution in renal impairment (reduced clearance)
  • Caution with concurrent antihypertensive agents (additive hypotension)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

2

Randomized controlled trials

1

Reviews & position papers

1

Observational studies

1

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Tizanidine, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Tizanidine?

A centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used for the management of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Tizanidine provides muscle relaxation with shorter duration of action than baclofen, which may be advantageous for treating intermittent spasticity.

What is Tizanidine used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Tizanidine include: Reduction of spasticity from MS and spinal cord injury; Short duration of action useful for intermittent spasticity; Relief of increased muscle tone; May be used for tension headache prophylaxis (off-label). NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Tizanidine?

A typical adult dose of Tizanidine is 2–8 mg every 6–8 hours as needed; maximum 36 mg/day in 3 divided doses (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet or capsule. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Tizanidine?

Reported side effects include drowsiness and sedation, dry mouth, dizziness, hypotension, asthenia (weakness), hepatotoxicity (elevated liver enzymes; rare liver failure). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Tizanidine?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Tizanidine in NutriStack.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.