Zanaflex® (tizanidine hydrochloride) is a centrally acting α2-adrenergic agonist. Tizanidine HCl (tizanidine) is a white to off-white, fine crystalline powder, which is odorless or with a faint characteristic odor. Tizanidine is slightly soluble in water and methanol; solubility in water decreases as the pH increases. Its chemical name is 5-chloro-4-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)-2,1,3-benzothiodiazole hydrochloride. Tizanidine's molecular formula is C₉H₈CIN₅ S-HCl, its molecular weight is 290.2 and its structural formula is:

Zanaflex Capsules™ (tizanidine) are supplied as 2, 4, and 6 mg capsules and Zanaflex (tizanidine) ® tablets are supplied as 2 and 4 mg tablets for oral administration. Zanaflex (tizanidine) Capsules™ are composed of the active ingredient, tizanidine hydrochloride (2.29 mg equivalent to 2 mg tizanidine base, 4.58 mg equivalent to 4 mg tizanidine base, and 6.87 mg equivalent to 6 mg tizanidine base), and the inactive ingredients, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, silicon dioxide, sugar spheres, titanium dioxide, gelatin, and colorants.

Zanaflex (tizanidine) ® tablets are composed of the active ingredient, tizanidine hydrochloride (2.29 mg equivalent to 2 mg tizanidine base and 4.58 mg equivalent to 4 mg tizanidine base), and the inactive ingredients, silicon dioxide colloidal, stearic acid, microcrystalline cellulose and anhydrous lactose.

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/4/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.