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Zanaflex®
Zanaflex is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that reduces muscle spasticity by increasing inhibitory neurotransmission in the spinal cord.
Zanaflex is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that reduces muscle spasticity by increasing inhibitory neurotransmission in the spinal cord. Used for Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, Spasticity associated with spinal cord injury, Spasticity from other causes (e.g., stroke, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury).
At a glance
| Generic name | Zanaflex® |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai |
| Drug class | Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist |
| Target | Alpha-2A adrenergic receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Zanaflex (tizanidine) works by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system, particularly in the spinal cord. This activation enhances the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters and reduces the release of excitatory amino acids, leading to decreased muscle tone and relief of spasticity. The drug is selective for alpha-2A receptors, which mediate its antispastic effects.
Approved indications
- Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis
- Spasticity associated with spinal cord injury
- Spasticity from other causes (e.g., stroke, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury)
Common side effects
- Dry mouth
- Somnolence
- Asthenia/fatigue
- Dizziness
- Hypotension
- Hallucinations
- Hepatotoxicity
Key clinical trials
- Effect of Neural Constraints on Movement in Stroke (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Tizaspray® Versus Sirdalud®, in Patients With Acute Low Back Pain (PHASE3)
- Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Tizanidine Hydrochloride Capsules Versus Zanaflex® (Tizanidine Hydrochloride Tablets) Taken While in the Fed State (Just After a Meal) and in the Fasted State (Before a Meal) in Patients With Moderate to Severe Spasticity. (PHASE3)
- Safety and Efficacy Study of an Etoricoxib and Tizanidine Fixed Dose Combination in Participants With Moderate to Severe Acute Low Back Pain (MK-0663B-164) (PHASE3)
- Bioequivalence Study of Tizanidine HCl Tablets 4 mg of Dr.Reddys Under Fasting Conditions (PHASE1)
- Bioequivalence Study of Tizanidine HCl 4mg Tablets of Dr.Reddy's Under Fed Conditions (PHASE1)
- BOTOX® Versus Zanaflex® for the Treatment of Post-Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury Upper Limb Spasticity (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Zanaflex® CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Zanaflex® updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai portfolio CI