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Compare Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Metaxalone and tizanidine (Zanaflex) are both medications used to treat muscle-related conditions. They help relieve muscle pain and discomfort, but they belong to different medication classes. Metaxalone is a muscle relaxer that works by relaxing the nervous system in the brain, while Tizanidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that slows down nerves in the spinal column to relax muscles. Metaxalone is typically taken three to four times a day, whereas tizanidine is taken up to three times a day as needed. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of metaxalone include dizziness and drowsiness, while tizanidine can cause dry mouth, sleepiness, and low blood pressure. Metaxalone can interact with antidepressants, leading to a rare condition called serotonin syndrome, while tizanidine should not be taken with certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin due to the risk of very low blood pressure.

  • Metaxalone
    Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
  • Metaxalone
    Tizanidine (Zanaflex)

  • Summary of Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Metaxalone is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle pain and discomfort that's not chronic or long-lasting. This medication is thought to relieve muscle pain by relaxing your nervous system in the brain. Metaxalone is typically taken by mouth three or four times a day. It commonly causes drowsiness and dizziness as side effects. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking metaxalone because alcohol can interact with this medication and worsen side effects.

    Summary for Alpha-2 agonist
    Prescription only

    Tizanidine, also known by its brand name Zanaflex, is a muscle relaxer. It's FDA approved to treat stiff, rigid muscles in adults. This medication comes as tablets and capsules that you take by mouth. The usual dosage is taken as needed, up to 3 times a day. It has side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is available as a generic and brand-name medication.

  • Indications of Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not chronic) conditions when rest or physical therapy isn't enough for relief
    Indications for
    •Muscle stiffness and rigidity

  • Pros and Cons of Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Starts to work quickly (within 30 minutes to an hour)
    •Might cause less dizziness or drowsiness than other muscle relaxers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might need to take 3 or 4 times a day
    •Interacts with common antidepressants
    •Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems, liver problems, or certain anemias (blood problem)
    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 agonist
    Pros
    •Taken as needed (up to 3 times a day) to help relax stiff or rigid muscles
    •Works within 1 to 2 hours
    •Also available as capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
    •Not a controlled substance
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure
    •Interacts with many other medications, like birth control pills, ciprofloxacin, and opioids
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you lower the dose or stop suddenly
    •Higher risk of side effects in older adults and people with kidney problems

  • Common Side Effects of Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Nervousness or irritability
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (49%)
    •Sleepiness (48%)
    •Weakness (41%)
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Urinary tract infection (10%)

  • Warnings of Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Caution use in people with liver or kidney problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Possible hallucinations
    •Withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

    Learn more about Metaxalone
    Learn more about Tizanidine

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