Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Tizanidine
Severity: Moderate
Carbamazepine and Tizanidine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Carbamazepine induces several CYP enzymes including CYP1A2, which may reduce tizanidine exposure and weaken its antispasticity effect. Both drugs can also cause drowsiness and dizziness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Tizanidine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Tizanidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP1A2 by carbamazepine increases tizanidine clearance.
What to do
Monitor spasticity and adjust the tizanidine dose upward if response falls. Review the dose again if carbamazepine is stopped.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Tizanidine
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Fluvoxamine + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Pefloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Pipemidic acid + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Tizanidine Major
- Brexanolone + Tizanidine Major
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Tizanidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbamazepine and Tizanidine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Carbamazepine induces several CYP enzymes including CYP1A2, which may reduce tizanidine exposure and weaken its antispasticity effect. Both drugs can also cause drowsiness and dizziness.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Tizanidine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor spasticity and adjust the tizanidine dose upward if response falls. Review the dose again if carbamazepine is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Tizanidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tizanidine with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Fluvoxamine, Pefloxacin. The full list is on the Tizanidine page.
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