Hostname: page-component-745bb68f8f-b95js Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-01-29T23:32:27.639Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Treatment of Spasticity with Tizanidine in Multiple Sclerosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 January 2016

Y. Lapierre ,
S. Bouchard ,
C. Tansey ,
D. Gendron ,
W.J. Barkas  and
G.S. Francis
Y. Lapierre*
Affiliation:
M.S. Clinic, Montreal Neurological Hospital, Montreal
S. Bouchard
Affiliation:
Sandoz (Canada) Ltd.
C. Tansey
Affiliation:
M.S. Clinic, Montreal Neurological Hospital, Montreal
D. Gendron
Affiliation:
EMG Laboratory, Montreal Neurological Hospital, Montreal
W.J. Barkas
Affiliation:
M.S. Clinic, Montreal Neurological Hospital, Montreal
G.S. Francis
Affiliation:
M.S. Clinic, Montreal Neurological Hospital, Montreal
*
M.S. Clinic, Montreal Neurological Hospital, 3801 University St., Montreal, P.Q. H3A 2B4
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract:

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Spasticity is a frequent and often disabling symptom in MS patients. Current drugs used as antispastic agents include Dantrolene Sodium, Baclofen and Diazepam. Tizanidine (5-chloro-4-(2imidazolin-2 yl amino) -2, 1, 3-benzothialdiazole) is a new antispasticity agent that has purported central action. A double blind placebo controlled trial was performed to study the efficacy of this drug in MS patients. Sixty-six patients entered an eight week therapeutic trial and fifty-nine completed the trial. Patients were assessed at 0, 2, 3 and 8 weeks of therapy for clinical effects. Electrophysiologic tests were performed at 0 and 8 weeks.

A statistically significant benefit was noted in spastic muscle groups in the legs with concomitant significant reduction in hyperactive stretch reflexes and ankle clonus. Side effects most frequently cited included dry mouth and drowsiness. Two patients developed elevated liver function test that decreased with cessation of therapy. Other clinical details, side effects and electrophysiologic data will be presented.

Tizanidine appears to reduce clinical spasticity and hyperreflexia in MS patients although no change in functional status was detected. Tizanidine may well serve as an alternate antispastic agent, alone or in combination with other agents.

Type
Research Article
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 14 , Issue S3 , August 1987 , pp. 513 - 517
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1987

References

REFERENCES

1.McAlpine, D.Symptoms and signs. In: McAlpine, D, Lumsden, CE.Acheson, ED.Multiple Sclerosis, a reappraisal. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone 1972: 132–196.Google Scholar
2.Young, RR, Delwaide, PJ.Drug Therapy, spasticity. NEJM 1981: 304–1: 28–33. 96–99.Google ScholarPubMed
3.Davies, D.Selective depression of synaptic transmission of spinal neurones in the cat by a new centrally acting muscle relaxant DS 103–282. Br J Pharmacol 1982: 76: 473–481.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Wiesendanger, M, Chapman, C-E, MacPherson, J, et al. In: Conrad, B, Benecke, R, Bauer, HJ. Eds. Die Klinische Wectung der Spastizitat. Stuttgart: Shattauer Press, 1984: 39–55.Google Scholar
5.Hassan, N, McLellan, DL.Double-blind comparison of single doses of DS 103–282, Baclofen and Placebo for suppression of spasticity. J Neurol, Neurosurg Psychiatry 1980; 43: 1132–1136.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
6.Gonsette, RE, De Smet, Y, Demonty, L.Tizanidine, a newantispastic agent: 6 years clinical experience in 152 MS patients. In: Gonsette, RE, Delmotte, P, Eds. Immunological and clincal aspects of multiple sclerosis. Lancester, MTP Press Ltd., 1984: 219–225.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
7.Rinne, UK.Tizanidine treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis and chronic myelopathy. Curr Ther Res 1980: 28: 827–836.Google Scholar
8.Kurtzke, JF.Rating neurologic impairment in multiple sclerosis: An expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Neurology 1983: 33: 1444–1452.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
9.Hauser, SL, Dawson, DM.Lehrich, JR.et al. Intensive immunosuppression in progressive multiple sclerosis. NEJM 1983; 308: 173–180.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
10.Delwaide, PJ.Electrophysiological analysis of the mode of action of muscle relaxants in spasticity. Ann Neurol 1985; 17: 90–95.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
11.Eisen, A, Odusote, K.Amplitude of the F wave: A potential means of documenting spasticity. Neurology, 1979; 29: 1306–1309.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
12.S.A.S. Institute Inc., Eds. Basics In: S.A.S. user’s guide, 1985.Google Scholar
13.Sandoz (Canada) Ltd. DS 103–282. Preclinical brochure. 1979.Google Scholar