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Compare Methocarbamol vs. Tizanidine

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

Key takeaways

Methocarbamol (Robaxin) and tizanidine (Zanaflex) are both medications used to treat muscle-related issues and are referred to as muscle relaxers, but they work in slightly different ways. Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer, while tizanidine is a specific type of muscle relaxer called an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Methocarbamol is used for muscle pain and discomfort, and its injection form is specifically indicated for muscle problems due to tetanus (only administered by a healthcare professional). Tizanidine is used for muscle stiffness and rigidity. Methocarbamol is typically taken 3 to 4 times a day, whereas tizanidine is taken up to 3 times a day as needed. Methocarbamol is not available as a brand-name tablet anymore, while tizanidine is available in both brand and generic forms. Common side effects of methocarbamol include dizziness and drowsiness, while tizanidine can cause dry mouth, sleepiness, and low blood pressure. Neither methocarbamol nor tizanidine have known interactions with common pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

  • Methocarbamol
    Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
  • Methocarbamol
    Tizanidine (Zanaflex)

  • Summary of Methocarbamol vs. Tizanidine

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Methocarbamol (Robaxin) is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle pain and discomfort, like back pain, in people ages 16 years and older. It works best when used along with non-medication treatments, such as rest and physical therapy. Methocarbamol is taken by mouth, typically 3 or 4 times daily. It's also available as an injection that's given into the muscles or through the veins, typically in a hospital setting. Side effects of methocarbamol include dizziness, drowsiness, and blurry vision.

    Summary for Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a muscle relaxer used to treat stiff, rigid muscles. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) isn't a controlled substance, so it isn't known to cause an addiction. But it does have several risks and warnings for side effects such as low blood pressure, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) comes as both brand and generic name tablets and capsules.

  • Indications of Methocarbamol vs. Tizanidine

    Indications for
    •Muscle pain and discomfort caused by acute (short-term) conditions
    •Muscle problems due to tetanus - injection form only
    Indications for
    •Muscle stiffness and rigidity

  • Pros and Cons of Methocarbamol vs. Tizanidine

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Starts to work within 30 minutes to relieve muscle pain and discomfort
    •Less likely to cause drowsiness compared to some other muscle relaxers
    •Tablets can be cut in half
    Cons
    •Taken 3 to 4 times daily
    •Older adults at higher risk for side effects
    •Not safe to take either some other pain medications, such as opioid medications
    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Works very quickly
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
    •Can be taken only as needed
    •Multiple strengths available, so you can customize your dose easier
    Cons
    •Taken multiple times a day
    •Stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle rigidity and high blood pressure
    •Food can affect how well your body absorbs tizanidine (Zanaflex)
    •Not a good option for people with liver and kidney problems
    •Can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and low blood pressure as side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Methocarbamol vs. Tizanidine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness or lightheadedness
    •Drowsiness
    •Blurry vision
    •Headache
    •Nausea
    •Upset stomach
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (49%)
    •Sleepiness (48%)
    •Weakness (41%)
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Urinary tract infection (10%)

  • Warnings of Methocarbamol vs. Tizanidine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Worsening drowsiness (from medication interactions)
    •Higher risk of tizanidine side effects (in people with kidney problems)
    •Liver damage
    •Hallucinations
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Methocarbamol vs. Tizanidine

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    Learn more about Tizanidine

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