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Role of Muscle Relaxant (Tizanidine) In Painful Muscle Spasm
Abstract
Background: Muscle spasms and cramps are spontaneous, often painful muscle contractions. Most cases of simple cramps require no treatment other than rest. More prolonged or regular cramps may be treated with drugs. Tizanidine which is an agonist at á 2-adrenergic receptor sites and presumably reduces spasticity by increasing presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons is one such drug which relieves spasm, cramps and tightness of muscles.
Objective: To evaluate effectiveness and tolerability of Tizanidine in painful muscle spasm of various etiologies.
Patients and methods: This Quasi experimental study was carried out from July 1995 to July 2007 in outpatient department of Rawalpindi general hospital and Holy family hospital, Rawalpindi. Inclusion criteria included all the patients suffering from painful muscle spasm in back, neck, shoulder, knee or other anatomical sites with onset not more than two days prior to presentation. The patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing
spondylitis, osteoporosis, infective arthritis, prolapsed disc, patients with history of NSAID or analgesics intake less than 6 hours prior to receiving the first dose of study medication, severe systemic disease, uncontrolled hypertension, pregnant women and lactating mothers were excluded from the study. After initial evaluation, patients took Tizanidine three times daily for 5 days with re-evaluation on day 3 and day 6.
Results: 5300 patients comprised of 60% (n=3180) males and
40% (n=2120) females with age range of 18-75 yrs. very good effect
was seen in 57% (n=3021) patients while no effect was seen in 10%
(n=530) patients.14% (n=742) patients suffered from drowsiness,
2% (n=106) patients suffered from dry mouth and 2%(n=106)
patients suffered from GI symptoms and nausea.
Conclusion: This study confirms efficacy, safety and tolerability
of Tizanidine for relief of painful muscle spasm.
Objective: To evaluate effectiveness and tolerability of Tizanidine in painful muscle spasm of various etiologies.
Patients and methods: This Quasi experimental study was carried out from July 1995 to July 2007 in outpatient department of Rawalpindi general hospital and Holy family hospital, Rawalpindi. Inclusion criteria included all the patients suffering from painful muscle spasm in back, neck, shoulder, knee or other anatomical sites with onset not more than two days prior to presentation. The patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing
spondylitis, osteoporosis, infective arthritis, prolapsed disc, patients with history of NSAID or analgesics intake less than 6 hours prior to receiving the first dose of study medication, severe systemic disease, uncontrolled hypertension, pregnant women and lactating mothers were excluded from the study. After initial evaluation, patients took Tizanidine three times daily for 5 days with re-evaluation on day 3 and day 6.
Results: 5300 patients comprised of 60% (n=3180) males and
40% (n=2120) females with age range of 18-75 yrs. very good effect
was seen in 57% (n=3021) patients while no effect was seen in 10%
(n=530) patients.14% (n=742) patients suffered from drowsiness,
2% (n=106) patients suffered from dry mouth and 2%(n=106)
patients suffered from GI symptoms and nausea.
Conclusion: This study confirms efficacy, safety and tolerability
of Tizanidine for relief of painful muscle spasm.
