CME on Spasticity is dedicated to online CME conferences, courses and presentations (slides with voice over) on spasticity, given by local and international experts. Its mission is to keep you up-to-date with the most recent developments on spasticity.
Presentation
"All About Tizanidine" Dr. Mark Freedman (biography) English - 2004-04-02 - 34 minutes
(29 slides)
Summary : In this presentation Dr Freedman describes several aspects of the use of tizanidine in the treatment of spasticity.
Tizanidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that acts in the brain and spinal cord, and has been shown to reduce muscle tone in MS patients with spasticity (1, 2). A review by Paisley et al showed tizanidine to be as effective as baclofen or diazepam, although less likely to cause weakness (3). Another review by Lataste et al found that tizanidine had a superior effect on clonus and muscle strength as compared to baclofen, and having good tolerability as well (4). A Cochrane Review of pharmacological treatments for spasticity in spinal cord injury found intrathecal baclofen and tizanidine to be effective in these patients(5).
Switching from baclofen to tizanidine may be considered in cases where weakness, spasms or too many side effects persist despite an adequate dose of baclofen (6).
Learning objectives : The participant will learn about the following aspects of tizanidine use in the treatment of spasticity:
-Clinical efficacy and tolerability compared to other oral antispastic agents
-Side effect profile and dose titration
-Switching from baclofen to tizanidine
