Drug Interaction Report

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 1A2 may significantly increase the plasma concentrations and pharmacologic effects of tizanidine, which is a sensitive substrate of the isoenzyme. In 10 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 4 mg dose of tizanidine following pretreatment with the potent CYP450 1A2 inhibitor fluvoxamine (100 mg orally once daily for 4 days) increased tizanidine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by an average of 12- and 33-fold, respectively, compared to placebo. The mean elimination half-life of tizanidine was prolonged from 1.5 to 4.3 hours. Similarly, pretreatment with the moderate CYP450 1A2 inhibitor ciprofloxacin (500 mg orally twice daily for 3 days) increased Cmax and AUC of a single 4 mg dose of tizanidine by an average of 7- and 10-fold, respectively, compared to placebo. Pharmacologic effects of tizanidine as measured by changes in blood pressure, heart rate, performance testing, subjective drug effect, and drowsiness were significantly greater with both fluvoxamine and ciprofloxacin compared to placebo. Vemurafenib, another moderate CYP450 1A2 inhibitor, increased tizanidine AUC by 4.7-fold. The interaction was also suspected in a 70-year-old patient treated with tizanidine who developed low heart rate, low body temperature, dry mouth, and anuresis two weeks after initiating fluvoxamine. A retrospective review of patient medical records at the hospital where the patient was admitted revealed a significantly higher incidence of tizanidine-related adverse effects in patients treated concomitantly with fluvoxamine than that reported for tizanidine alone in the product labeling (26.1% vs. 5.3%), and those who experienced adverse effects were older and received higher dosages of both drugs than those who did not have adverse effects with the combination. Another CYP450 1A2 inhibitor, rofecoxib, has also been reported to potentiate the adverse effects of tizanidine. There have been postmarketing reports of adverse events mostly involving the nervous system (e.g., hallucinations, psychosis, somnolence, hypotonia) and cardiovascular system (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia) during concomitant use of tizanidine and rofecoxib. In all cases, adverse events resolved following discontinuation of one or both drugs. Rechallenge's were not performed.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of tizanidine with CYP450 1A2 inhibitors should generally be avoided. Otherwise, caution is advised if coadministration is required. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in patients who experience excessive adverse effects of tizanidine such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, hypotension, and bradycardia.

Ask your doctor before using norethindrone together with tiZANidine. This can cause drowsiness, confusion, slow heart rate, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma. You may need a dose adjustment if you take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of certain medications such as norethindrone. You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with norethindrone. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with the medication, then it is advisable for you to talk with your doctor before changing the amounts of these products in your diet, as this may alter the effects of your medication. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.