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Tizanidine Versus Baclofen in the Treatment of Spasticity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

B. Bass ,
B. Weinshenker ,
G.P.A. Rice ,
J.H. Noseworthy ,
M.G.P. Cameron ,
W. Hader ,
S. Bouchard  and
G.C. Ebers
B. Bass*
Affiliation:
University Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London
B. Weinshenker
Affiliation:
University Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London
G.P.A. Rice
Affiliation:
University Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London
J.H. Noseworthy
Affiliation:
University Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London
M.G.P. Cameron
Affiliation:
University Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London
W. Hader
Affiliation:
University Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London
S. Bouchard
Affiliation:
University Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London
G.C. Ebers
Affiliation:
University Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London
*
MS Clinic, 70P33, University Hospital, P.O. Box 5339, Postal Station A, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5A5
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Abstract:

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Tizanidine (Sirdalud) was compared to baclofen (Lioresal) in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial. Each medication was introduced over a three week titration period and then maintained at the highest tolerated dose for five weeks. The two treatment phases were separated by a one week drug withdrawal and a two week washout period. Sixty-six patients entered the trial and forty-eight completed both treatment phases. At the end of the trial, neurologists and physiotherapists thought that baclofen was superior on the basis of perceived efficacy and tolerance (p≤0.05). Although the efficacy of tizanidine or baclofen was judged as good to excellent by 24 and 39% of patients respectively, this difference was not statistically significant. Muscle weakness was the most common adverse effect. This was significantly more troublesome in patients treated with baclofen. Somnolence and xerostomia were more common in patients treated with tizanidine. Both baclofen and tizanidine appear to be useful adjuncts in the treatment of spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. Preference of either drug is tempered principally by side-effects.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 15 , Issue 1 , February 1988 , pp. 15 - 19
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1988

References

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