TIZANIDINE: 5,533 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

Tizanidine hydrochloride capsules contains tizanidine hydrochloride as the active ingredient, which is a centrally acting α 2-adrenergic agonist. Its chemical name is 5-chloro-4-(2-imidazolin-2-yl-amino)-2,1,3-benzothiodiazole monohydrochloride. Its structural formula is C9H8CIN5S•HCl and a molecular weight of 290.17. Its structural formula is:: Tizanidine hydrochloride is almost white to slightly yellow, crystalline powder, which is odorless or with a faint characteristic odor. Tizanidine hydrochloride is slightly soluble in water and methanol; solubility in water decreases as the pH increases. Tizanidine hydrochloride capsules 2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg, supplied for oral administration, are composed of the active ingredient, tizanidine hydrochloride (2.288 mg equivalent to 2 mg tizanidine base, 4.576mg equivalent to 4 mg tizanidine base, and 6.864 mg equivalent to 6 mg tizanidine base). Each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous lactose, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, stearic acid, and talc. Each capsule shell contains FD&C blue #2, gelatin and titanium dioxide. In addition, the 4 mg capsules shell contains FDA/E172 yellow iron oxide. The capsule printing ink contains black iron oxide, FD&C blue #1, FD&C blue #2, FD&C red #40, and FD&C yellow #10, propylene glycol, and shellac. ChemicalStructure

AND USAGE Tizanidine Tablets, USP is a central alpha-2-adrenergic agonist indicated for the management of spasticity. Because of the short duration of therapeutic effect, treatment with Tizanidine Tablets, USP should be reserved for those daily activities and times when relief of spasticity is most important [see Dosage and Administration(2.1) ].

Tizanidine

Tablets, USP is a central alpha-2-adrenergic agonist indicated for the management of spasticity. Because of the short duration of therapeutic effect, treatment with Tizanidine Tablets, USP should be reserved for those daily activities and times when relief of spasticity is most important [ see Dosage and Administration (1) ].

2 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Dosing Information Tizanidine Tablets, USP tablets may be prescribed with or without food. Once the formulation has been selected and the decision to take with or without food has been made, this regimen should not be altered. Food has complex effects on tizanidine pharmacokinetics, which differ with the different formulations.

Tizanidine

Capsules and Tizanidine Tablets, USP are bioequivalent to each other under fasting conditions (more than 3 hours after a meal), but not under fed conditions (within 30 minutes of a meal). These pharmacokinetic differences may result in clinically significant differences when switching administration of tablet and capsules and when switching administration between the fed or fasted state. These changes may result in increased adverse events, or delayed or more rapid onset of activity, depending upon the nature of the switch. For this reason, the prescriber should be thoroughly familiar with the changes in kinetics associated with these different conditions [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. The recommended starting dose is 2 mg. Because the effect of Tizanidine Tablets, USP peaks at approximately 1 to 2 hours post-dose and dissipates between 3 to 6 hours post-dose, treatment can be repeated at 6 to 8 hour intervals, as needed, to a maximum of three doses in 24 hours. Dosage can be gradually increased by 2 mg to 4 mg at each dose, with 1 to 4 days between dosage increases, until a satisfactory reduction of muscle tone is achieved. The total daily dose should not exceed 36 mg. Single doses greater than 16 mg have not been studied.

2.2 Dosing in Patients with Renal Impairment Tizanidine Tablets, USP should be used with caution in patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 25 mL/min), as clearance is reduced by more than 50%. In these patients, during titration, the individual doses should be reduced. If higher doses are required, individual doses rather than dosing frequency should be increased [ see Warnings and Precautions ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) ].

2.3 Dosing in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Tizanidine Tablets, USP should be used with caution in patients with any hepatic impairment. In these patients, during titration, the individual doses should be reduced. If higher doses are required, individual doses rather than dosing frequency should be increased. Monitoring of aminotransferase levels is recommended for baseline and 1 month after maximum dose is achieved, or if hepatic injury is suspected. [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 ) ]

2.4 Drug Discontinuation If therapy needs to be discontinued, particularly in patients who have been receiving high doses (20 mg to 36 mg daily) for long periods (9 weeks or more) or who may be on concomitant treatment with narcotics, the dose should be decreased slowly (2 mg to 4 mg per day) to minimize the risk of withdrawal and rebound hypertension, tachycardia, and hypertonia [ see Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9.3 )].

• Recommended starting dose: 2 mg; dose can be repeated at 6 to 8 hour intervals, up to a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. )
• Dosage can be increased by 2 mg to 4 mg per dose, with 1 to 4 days between increases; total daily dose should not exceed 36 mg ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. )
• Tizanidine pharmacokinetics differs between tablets and capsules, and when taken with or without food. These differences could result in a change in tolerability and control of symptoms ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. , 12.3 )
• To discontinue Tizanidine Tablets, USP, decrease dose slowly to minimize the risk of withdrawal and rebound hypertension, tachycardia, and hypertonia ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. )

CONTRAINDICATIONS Concomitant use of tizanidine with fluvoxamine or with ciprofloxacin, potent inhibitors of CYP1A2, is contraindicated. Significant alterations of pharmacokinetic parameters of tizanidine including increased AUC, t1/2, C max , increased oral bioavailability and decreased plasma clearance have been observed with concomitant administration of either fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin. This pharmacokinetic interaction can result in potentially serious adverse events (See WARNINGS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interactions). Tizanidine tablets is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Tizanidine tablets or its ingredients.

ADVERSE REACTIONS In multiple dose, placebo-controlled clinical studies, 264 patients were treated with tizanidine and 261 with placebo. Adverse events, including severe adverse events, were more frequently reported with tizanidine than with placebo.

Common Adverse Events Leading To

Discontinuation Forty-five of 264 (17%) patients receiving tizanidine and 13 of 261 (5%) patients receiving placebo in three multiple dose, placebo-controlled clinical studies discontinued treatment for adverse events. When patients withdrew from the study, they frequently had more than one reason for discontinuing. The adverse events most frequently leading to withdrawal of tizanidine treated patients in the controlled clinical studies were asthenia (weakness, fatigue and/or tiredness) (3%), somnolence (3%), dry mouth (3%), increased spasm or tone (2%) and dizziness (2%).

Most Frequent Adverse Clinical Events

Seen In Association With The Use Of Tizanidine In multiple dose, placebo-controlled clinical studies involving 264 patients with spasticity, the most frequent adverse effects were dry mouth, somnolence/sedation, asthenia (weakness, fatigue and/or tiredness) and dizziness. Three-quarters of the patients rated the events as mild to moderate and one-quarter of the patients rated the events as being severe. These events appeared to be dose related.

Adverse Events Reported In Controlled

Studies The events cited reflect experience gained under closely monitored conditions of clinical studies in a highly selected patient population. In actual clinical practice or in other clinical studies, these frequency estimates may not apply, as the conditions of use, reporting behavior, and the kinds of patients treated may differ.

Table

1 lists treatment emergent signs and symptoms that were reported in greater than 2% of patients in three multiple dose, placebo-controlled studies who received tizanidine where the frequency in the tizanidine group was at least as common as in the placebo group. These events are not necessarily related to tizanidine treatment. For comparison purposes, the corresponding frequency of the event (per 100 patients) among placebo treated patients is also provided. TABLE 1: Multiple Dose, Placebo-Controlled Studies –Frequent (>2%)

Adverse Events

Reports for which Tizanidine Tablets Incidence is Greater than Placebo Event Placebo N =261 % Tizanidine Tablet N =264 % Dry Mouth 10 49 Somnolence 10 48 Asthenia* 16 41 Dizziness 4 16 UTI 7 10 Infection 5 6 Constipation 1 4 Liver function tests abnormal <1 3 Vomiting 0 3 Speech disorder 0 3 Amblyopia (blurred vision) <1 3 Urinary frequency 2 3 Flu symptom 2 3 SGPT/ALT increased <1 3 Dyskinesia 0 3 Nervousness <1 3 Pharyngitis 1 3 Rhinitis 2 3 * (weakness, fatigue, and/or tiredness) In the single dose, placebo-controlled study involving 142 patients with spasticity, the patients were specifically asked if they had experienced any of the four most common adverse events: dry mouth, somnolence (drowsiness), asthenia (weakness, fatigue and/or tiredness) and dizziness. In addition, hypotension and bradycardia were observed. The occurrence of these adverse effects are summarized in Table 2. Other events were, in general, reported at a rate of 2% or less.

Table

2: Single Dose, Placebo-Controlled Study—Common Adverse Events Reported Event Placebo N =48 % Tizanidine Tablet, 8 mg, N =45 % Tizanidine Tablet, 16 mg, N =49 % Somnolence 31 78 92 Dry mouth 35 76 88 Asthenia * 40 67 78 Dizziness 4 22 45 Hypotension 0 16 33 Bradycardia 0 2 10 * (weakness, fatigue and/or tiredness)

Other Adverse Events Observed During

The Evaluation Of Tizanidine Tizanidine was administered to 1385 patients in additional clinical studies where adverse event information was available. The conditions and duration of exposure varied greatly, and included (in overlapping categories) double-blind and open-label studies, uncontrolled and controlled studies, inpatient and outpatient studies, and titration studies. Untoward events associated with this exposure were recorded by clinical investigators using terminology of their own choosing. Consequently, it is not possible to provide a meaningful estimate of the proportion of individuals experiencing adverse events without first grouping similar types of untoward events into a smaller number of standardized event categories. In the tabulations that follow, reported adverse events were classified using a standard COSTART-based dictionary terminology. The frequencies presented, therefore, represent the proportion of the 1385 patients exposed to tizanidine who experienced an event of the type cited on at least one occasion while receiving tizanidine. All reported events are included except those already listed in Table 1. If the COSTART term for an event was so general as to be uninformative, it was replaced with a more informative term. It is important to emphasize that, although the events reported occurred during treatment with tizanidine, they were not necessarily caused by it. Events are further categorized by body system and listed in order of decreasing frequency according to the following definitions: frequent adverse events are those occurring on one or more occasions in at least 1/100 patients (only those not already listed in the tabulated results from placebo-controlled studies appear in this listing); infrequent adverse events are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients, rare adverse events are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients. Body as a Whole Frequent:Fever; Infrequent: Allergic reaction, moniliasis, malaise, abscess, neck pain, sepsis, cellulitis, death, overdose; Rare: Carcinoma, congenital anomaly, suicide attempt.

Cardiovascular System

Infrequent: Vasodilatation, postural hypotension, syncope, migraine, arrhythmia; Rare: Angina pectoris, coronary artery disorder, heart failure, myocardial infarct, phlebitis, pulmonary embolus, ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia.

Digestive System

Frequent: Abdomen pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia; Infrequent: Dysphagia, cholelithiasis, fecal impaction, flatulence, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hepatitis, melena; Rare: Gastroenteritis, hematemesis, hepatoma, intestinal obstruction, liver damage. Hemic and Lymphatic System Infrequent: Ecchymosis, hypercholesteremia, anemia, hyperlipemia, leukopenia, leukocytosis, sepsis; Rare:Petechia, purpura, thrombocythemia, thrombocytopenia. Metabolic and Nutritional System Infrequent:Edema, hypothyroidism, weight loss; Rare:Adrenal cortex insufficiency, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypoproteinemia, respiratory acidosis.

Musculoskeletal System

Frequent:Myasthenia, back pain;Infrequent: Pathological fracture, arthralgia, arthritis, bursitis.

Nervous System

Frequent:Depression, anxiety, paresthesia; Infrequent:Tremor, emotional lability, convulsion, paralysis, thinking abnormal, vertigo, abnormal dreams, agitation, depersonalization, euphoria, migraine, stupor, dysautonomia, neuralgia; Rare: Dementia, hemiplegia, neuropathy.

Respiratory System

Infrequent:Sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis; Rare: Asthma. Skin and Appendages Frequent:Rash, sweating, skin ulcer; Infrequent: Pruritus, dry skin, acne, alopecia, urticaria; Rare: Exfoliative dermatitis, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, skin carcinoma.

Special Senses

Infrequent:Ear pain, tinnitus, deafness, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, eye pain, optic neuritis, otitis media, retinal hemorrhage, visual field defect; Rare:Iritis, keratitis, optic atrophy.

Urogenital System

Infrequent:Urinary urgency, cystitis, menorrhagia, pyelonephritis, urinary retention, kidney calculus, uterine fibroids enlarged, vaginal moniliasis, vaginitis; Rare: Albuminuria, glycosuria, hematuria, metrorrhagia DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE SECTION Abuse potential was not evaluated in human studies. Rats were able to distinguish tizanidine from saline in a standard discrimination paradigm, after training, but failed to generalize the effects of morphine, cocaine, diazepam or phenobarbital to tizanidine. Monkeys were shown to self-administer tizanidine in a dose-dependent manner, and abrupt cessation of tizanidine produced transient signs of withdrawal at doses > 35 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis. These transient withdrawal signs (increased locomotion, body twitching, and aversive behavior toward the observer) were not reversed by naloxone administration. Tizanidine is closely related to clonidine, which is often abused in combination with narcotics and is known to cause symptoms of rebound upon abrupt withdrawal. Three cases of rebound symptoms on sudden withdrawal of tizanidine have been reported. The case reports suggest that these patients were also misusing narcotics. Withdrawal symptoms included hypertension, tachycardia, hypertonia, tremor, and anxiety. As with clonidine, withdrawal is expected to be more likely in cases where high doses are used, especially for prolonged periods.

AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Hypotension Tizanidine is an α 2 -adrenergic agonist that can produce hypotension. Syncope has been reported in the post marketing setting. The chance of significant hypotension may possibly be minimized by titration of the dose and by focusing attention on signs and symptoms of hypotension prior to dose advancement. In addition, patients moving from a supine to fixed upright position may be at increased risk for hypotension and orthostatic effects. Monitor for hypotension when Tizanidine Tablets, USP is used in patients receiving concurrent antihypertensive therapy. It is not recommended that Tizanidine Tablets, USP be used with other α 2 -adrenergic agonists. Clinically significant hypotension (decreases in both systolic and diastolic pressure) has been reported with concomitant administration of either fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin and single doses of 4 mg of Tizanidine Tablets, USP. Therefore, concomitant use of Tizanidine Tablets, USP with fluvoxamine or with ciprofloxacin, potent inhibitors of CYP1A2, is contraindicated [ see Contraindications (4) andDrug Interactions ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. , Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) ].

5.2 Risk of Liver Injury Tizanidine Tablets, USP may cause hepatocellular liver injury.

Tizanidine

Tablets, USP should be used with caution in patients with any hepatic impairment. Monitoring of aminotransferase levels is recommended for baseline and 1 month after maximum dose is achieved, or if hepatic injury is suspected. [ see Dosage and Administration ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 ) ]

5.3 Sedation Tizanidine Tablets, USP can cause sedation, which may interfere with everyday activity. In the multiple dose studies, the prevalence of patients with sedation peaked following the first week of titration and then remained stable for the duration of the maintenance phase of the study. The CNS depressant effects of Tizanidine Tablets, USP with alcohol and other CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive. Monitor patients who take Tizanidine Tablets, USP with another CNS depressant for symptoms of excess sedation. [ see Drug Interactions ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. , Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) ]

5.4 Hallucinosis/Psychotic-Like Symptoms Tizanidine Tablets, USP use has been associated with hallucinations. Formed, visual hallucinations or delusions have been reported in 5 of 170 patients (3%) in two North American controlled clinical studies. Most of the patients were aware that the events were unreal. One patient developed psychosis in association with the hallucinations. One patient among these 5 continued to have problems for at least 2 weeks following discontinuation of tizanidine. Consider discontinuing Tizanidine Tablets, USP in patients who develop hallucinations.

5.5 Interaction with CYP1A2 Inhibitors Because of potential drug interactions, Tizanidine Tablets, USP is contraindicated in patients taking potent CYP1A2 inhibitors, such as fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin. Adverse reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia, or excessive drowsiness can occur when Tizanidine Tablets, USP is taken with other CYP1A2 inhibitors, such as zileuton, fluoroquinolones other than ciprofloxacin (which is contraindicated), antiarrythmics (amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone), cimetidine, famotidine, oral contraceptives, acyclovir, and ticlopidine). Concomitant use should be avoided unless the necessity for Tizanidine Tablets, USP therapy is clinically evident. In such a case, use with caution. [ see Drug Interactions ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]

5.6 Hypersensitivity Reactions Tizanidine Tablets, USP can cause anaphylaxis. Signs and symptoms including respiratory compromise, urticaria, and angioedema of the throat and tongue have been reported. Patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of severe allergic reactions and instructed to discontinue Tizanidine Tablets, USP and seek immediate medical care should these signs and symptoms occur. [ see Contraindications (4) ]

5.7 Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions in Patients with Renal Impairment Tizanidine Tablets, USP should be used with caution in patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance &lt; 25 mL/min), as clearance is reduced by more than 50%. In these patients, during titration, the individual doses should be reduced. If higher doses are required, individual doses rather than dosing frequency should be increased. These patients should be monitored closely for the onset or increase in severity of the common adverse events (dry mouth, somnolence, asthenia and dizziness) as indicators of potential overdose. [ see Dosage and Administration ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 ) ]

5.8 Withdrawal Adverse Reactions Withdrawal adverse reactions include rebound hypertension, tachycardia, and hypertonia. To minimize the risk of these reactions, particularly in patients who have been receiving high doses (20 to 28 mg daily) for long periods of time (9 weeks or more) or who may be on concomitant treatment with narcotics, the dose should be decreased slowly (2 to 4 mg per day). <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. )]</span>

• Hypotension: monitor for signs and symptoms of hypotension, in particular in patients receiving concurrent antihypertensives; Tizanidine Tablets, USP should not be used with other α 2 -adrenergic agonists ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. , Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. )
• Risk of liver injury: monitor ALTs; discontinue Tizanidine Tablets, USP if liver injury occurs ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. )
• Sedation: Tizanidine Tablets, USP may interfere with everyday activities; sedative effects of Tizanidine Tablets, USP, alcohol, and other CNS depressants are additive ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. , Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. , Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. )
• Hallucinations: consider discontinuation of Tizanidine Tablets, USP ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. )
• Less potent inhibitors of CYP1A2: may cause hypotension, bradycardia, or excessive drowsiness, use caution if Tizanidine Tablets, USP is used with less potent inhibitors of CYP1A2, e.g., zileuton, other fluoroquinolones, antiarrythmics, cimetidine, famotidine, oral contraceptives, acyclovir, and ticlopidine ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. , Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. , 12.3 )
• Renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 25 mL/min): use Tizanidine Tablets, USP with caution, and monitor closely for dry mouth, somnolence, asthenia and dizziness as indicators of potential overdose ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. )

PRECAUTIONS Cardiovascular Prolongation of the QT interval and bradycardia were noted in chronic toxicity studies in dogs at doses equal to the maximum human dose on a mg/m 2 basis. ECG evaluation was not performed in the controlled clinical studies. Reduction in pulse rate has been noted in association with decreases in blood pressure in the single dose controlled study (see WARNINGS ).

Ophthalmic

Dose-related retinal degeneration and corneal opacities have been found in animal studies at doses equivalent to approximately the maximum recommended dose on a mg/m 2 basis. There have been no reports of corneal opacities or retinal degeneration in the clinical studies. Use in Renally Impaired Patients Tizanidine should be used with caution in patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 25 mL/min), as clearance is reduced by more than 50%. In these patients, during titration, the individual doses should be reduced. If higher doses are required, individual doses rather than dosing frequency should be increased. These patients should be monitored closely for the onset or increase in severity of the common adverse events (dry mouth, somnolence, asthenia and dizziness) as indicators of potential overdose. Use in Women Taking Oral Contraceptives Because drug interaction studies of tizanidine with oral contraceptives have shown that concomitant use may reduce the clearance of tizanidine by as much as 50%, concomitant use of tizanidine with oral contraceptives should ordinarily be avoided (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interactions ). However, if concomitant use is clinically necessary, the starting dose and subsequent titration rate of tizanidine should be reduced.

Discontinuing

Therapy If therapy needs to be discontinued, particularly in patients who have been receiving high doses for long periods, the dose should be decreased slowly to minimize the risk of withdrawal and rebound hypertension, tachycardia, and hypertonia. Information for Patients Patients should be advised of the limited clinical experience with tizanidine both in regard to duration of use and the higher doses required to reduce muscle tone (see WARNINGS ). Because of the possibility of tizanidine lowering blood pressure, patients should be warned about the risk of clinically significant orthostatic hypotension (see WARNINGS ). Because of the possibility of sedation, patients should be warned about performing activities requiring alertness, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery (see WARNINGS ). Patients should also be instructed that the sedation may be additive when tizanidine is taken in conjunction with drugs (baclofen, benzodiazepines) or substances (e.g., alcohol) that act as CNS depressants. Patients should be advised of the change in the absorption profile of tizanidine if taken with food and the potential changes in efficacy and adverse effect profiles that may result (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics ). Patients should be advised not to stop tizanidine suddenly as rebound hypertension and tachycardia may occur (see PRECAUTIONS: Discontinuing Therapy ). Tizanidine should be used with caution where spasticity is utilized to sustain posture and balance in locomotion or whenever spasticity is utilized to obtain increased function. Because of the potential for the increased risk of serious adverse reactions including severe lowering of blood pressure and sedation when tizanidine and either fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin are used together, tizanidine should not be used with either fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin. Because of the potential for interaction with other CYP1A2 inhibitors, patients should be instructed to inform their physicians and pharmacists when any medication is added or removed from their regimen.

Drug

Interactions In vitro studies of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes using human liver microsomes indicate that neither tizanidine nor the major metabolites are likely to affect the metabolism of other drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes.

Fluvoxamine

The effect of fluvoxamine on the pharmacokinetics of a single 4 mg dose of tizanidine was studied in 10 healthy subjects. The C max , AUC, and half-life of tizanidine increased by 12-fold, 33-fold, and 3-fold, respectively. These changes resulted in significantly decreased blood pressure, increased drowsiness, and increased psychomotor impairment. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ).

Ciprofloxacin

The effect of ciprofloxacin on the pharmacokinetics of a single 4 mg dose of tizanidine was studied in 10 healthy subjects. The C max and AUC of tizanidine increased by 7-fold and 10-fold, respectively. These changes resulted in significantly decreased blood pressure, increased drowsiness, and increased psychomotor impairment. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ). CYP1A2 inhibitors The interaction between tizanidine and either fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin is most likely due to inhibition of CYP1A2 by fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin. Although there have been no clinical studies evaluating the effects of other CYP1A2 inhibitors on tizanidine, other CYP1A2 inhibitors, including zileuton, other fluroquinolones, antiarrythmics (amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone, and verapamil), cimetidine and famotidine, oral contraceptives, acyclovir, and ticlopidine may also lead to substantial increases in tizanidine blood concentrations. Concomitant use of tizanidine with CYP1A2 inhibitors should ordinarily be avoided. If their use is clinically necessary, they should be used with caution (see WARNINGS ). Acetaminophen: Tizanidine delayed the T max of acetaminophen by 16 minutes. Acetaminophen did not affect the pharmacokinetics of tizanidine. Alcohol: Alcohol increased the AUC of tizanidine by approximately 20%, while also increasing its C max by approximately 15%. This was associated with an increase in side effects of tizanidine. The CNS depressant effects of tizanidine and alcohol are additive.

Oral

Contraceptives: No specific pharmacokinetic study was conducted to investigate interaction between oral contraceptives and tizanidine, but retrospective analysis of population pharmacokinetic data following single and multiple dose administration of 4 mg tizanidine showed that women concurrently taking oral contraceptives had 50% lower clearance of tizanidine that women not on oral contraceptives. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility No evidence for carcinogenicity was seen in two dietary studies in rodents. Tizanidine was administered to mice for 78 weeks at doses up to 16 mg/kg, which is equivalent to 2 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis. Tizanidine was also administered to rats for 104 weeks at doses up to 9 mg/kg, which is equivalent to 2.5 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis. There was no statistically significant increase in tumors in either species. Tizanidine was not mutagenic or clastogenic in the following in vitro assays: the bacterial Ames test and the mammalian gene mutation test and chromosomal aberration test in Chinese hamster cells. It was also negative in the following in vivo assays: the bone marrow micronucleus test in mice, the bone marrow micronucleus and cytogenicity test in Chinese hamsters, the dominant lethal mutagenicity test in mice, and the unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) test in mice. Tizanidine did not affect fertility in male rats at doses of 10 mg/kg, approximately 2.7 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis, and in females at doses of 3 mg/kg, approximately equal to the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis; fertility was reduced in males receiving 30 mg/kg (8 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis) and in females receiving 10 mg/kg (2.7 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis). At these doses, maternal behavioral effects and clinical signs were observed including marked sedation, weight loss, and ataxia.

Pregnancy Pregnancy

Category C: Reproduction studies performed in rats at a dose of 3 mg/kg, equal to the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis, and in rabbits at 30 mg/kg, 16 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis, did not show evidence of teratogenicity. Tizanidine at doses that are equal to and up to 8 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis increased gestation duration in rats. Prenatal and postnatal pup loss was increased and developmental retardation occurred. Post-implantation loss was increased in rabbits at doses of 1 mg/kg or greater, equal to or greater than 0.5 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis. Tizanidine has not been studied in pregnant women. Tizanidine should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed. Labor and Delivery The effect of tizanidine on labor and delivery in humans is unknown.

Nursing

Mothers It is not known whether tizanidine is excreted in human milk, although as a lipid soluble drug, it might be expected to pass into breast milk.

Geriatric Use

Tizanidine should be used with caution in elderly patients because clearance is decreased four-fold.

Pediatric Use

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies to document the safety and efficacy of tizanidine in children.

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION Fluvoxamine The effect of fluvoxamine on the pharmacokinetics of tizanidine was studied in 10 healthy subjects.

The

Cmax, AUC, and half-life of tizanidine increased by 12-fold, 33-fold, and 3-fold, respectively. These changes resulted in significant decreases in blood pressure, increased drowsiness, and psychomotor impairment. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ).

Ciprofloxacin

The effect of ciprofloxacin on the pharmacokinetics of tizanidine was studied in 10 healthy subjects.

The

Cmax and AUC of tizanidine increased by 7-fold and 10-fold, respectively. These changes resulted in significant decreases in blood pressure, increased drowsiness, and psychomotor impairment. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ). CYP1A2 Inhibitors The interaction between tizanidine and either fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin is most likely due to inhibition of CYP1A2 by fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin. Although there have been no clinical studies evaluating the effects of other CYP1A2 inhibitors on tizanidine, other CYP1A2 inhibitors, such as zileuton, other fluoroquinolones, antiarrythmics (amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone and verapamil), cimetidine, famotidine oral contraceptives, acyclovir and ticlopidine, may also lead to substantial increases in tizanidine blood concentrations. (See WARNINGS )

Oral

Contraceptives No specific pharmacokinetic study was conducted to investigate interaction between oral contraceptives and tizanidine. Retrospective analysis of population pharmacokinetic data following single and multiple dose administration of 4 mg tizanidine, however, showed that women concurrently taking oral contraceptives had 50% lower clearance of tizanidine compared to women not on oral contraceptives (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Drug

Interactions In vitro studies of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes using human liver microsomes indicate that neither tizanidine nor the major metabolites are likely to affect the metabolism of other drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes.

Fluvoxamine

The effect of fluvoxamine on the pharmacokinetics of a single 4 mg dose of tizanidine was studied in 10 healthy subjects.

The

Cmax, AUC, and half-life of tizanidine increased by 12-fold, 33-fold, and 3-fold, respectively. These changes resulted in significantly decreased blood pressure, increased drowsiness, and increased psychomotor impairment. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ).

Ciprofloxacin

The effect of ciprofloxacin on the pharmacokinetics of a single 4 mg dose of tizanidine was studied in 10 healthy subjects.

The

Cmax and AUC of tizanidine increased by 7-fold and 10-fold, respectively. These changes resulted in significantly decreased blood pressure, increased drowsiness, and increased psychomotor impairment. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ). CYP1A2 inhibitors The interaction between tizanidine and either fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin is most likely due to inhibition of CYP1A2 by fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin. Although there have been no clinical studies evaluating the effects of other CYP1A2 inhibitors on tizanidine, other CYP1A2 inhibitors, including zileuton, other fluroquinolones, antiarrythmics (amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone, and verapamil), cimetidine and famotidine, oral contraceptives, acyclovir, and ticlopidine may also lead to substantial increases in tizanidine blood concentrations. Concomitant use of tizanidine with CYP1A2 inhibitors should ordinarily be avoided. If their use is clinically necessary, they should be used with caution (see WARNINGS ).

Acetaminophen

Tizanidine delayed the Tmax of acetaminophen by 16 minutes. Acetaminophen did not affect the pharmacokinetics of tizanidine.

Alcohol

Alcohol increased the AUC of tizanidine by approximately 20%, while also increasing its Cmax by approximately 15%. This was associated with an increase in side effects of tizanidine. The CNS depressant effects of tizanidine and alcohol are additive.

Oral

Contraceptives No specific pharmacokinetic study was conducted to investigate interaction between oral contraceptives and tizanidine, but retrospective analysis of population pharmacokinetic data following single and multiple dose administration of 4 mg tizanidine showed that women concurrently taking oral contraceptives had 50% lower clearance of tizanidine that women not on oral contraceptives.