What is the brand name for Tizanidine?
The brand name for Tizanidine is Zanaflex.
PTCE Top 200 · #81
Tizanidine
Zanaflex
Tizanidine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Zanaflex. It is a skeletal muscle relaxant (alpha-2 agonist) used to treat muscle spasticity. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Tizanidine ranks #81 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Tizanidine |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Zanaflex |
| Drug class | Skeletal muscle relaxant (alpha-2 agonist) |
| Class group | CNS/Psych |
| Common use | muscle spasticity |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Tizanidine used for?
Short‑acting skeletal muscle relaxant used to manage spasticity (e.g., from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury) and painful muscle spasms.
What drug class is Tizanidine?
Tizanidine is a Skeletal muscle relaxant (alpha-2 agonist) in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Tizanidine
- arrow_rightDrowsiness/sedation
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightDry mouth
- arrow_rightWeakness
- arrow_rightFatigue
- arrow_rightLow blood pressure (hypotension)
- arrow_rightBradycardia
Major interactions
- arrow_rightContraindicated with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (especially ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine) → markedly ↑ tizanidine levels, severe hypotension/sedation
- arrow_rightOther CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., some fluoroquinolones, cimetidine, oral contraceptives) may ↑ levels → hypotension/somnolence
- arrow_rightAlcohol or other CNS depressants (opioids, benzodiazepines) ↑ sedation/impairment
- arrow_rightAdditive hypotension with antihypertensives
Is Tizanidine a controlled substance?
No. Tizanidine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Tizanidine (PTCE mnemonic)
ZAN-aflex ZAPs spasms — tizani-DINE is α2 agonist (clonidine cousin). Drowsy, dry mouth, hypotension; rebound HTN if stopped abruptly; no fluvoxamine.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is an alpha-2 muscle relaxant — watch the LASA pair tiZANidine / tiAGABine, plus low blood pressure and sedation.
Tizanidine FAQ
What is Tizanidine used for?
Tizanidine is used to treat muscle spasticity. Short‑acting skeletal muscle relaxant used to manage spasticity (e.g., from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury) and painful muscle spasms.
What drug class is Tizanidine?
Tizanidine is a Skeletal muscle relaxant (alpha-2 agonist) (CNS/Psych group).
Is Tizanidine a controlled substance?
No. Tizanidine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Drill Tizanidine the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).