Drug interactions
Clonidine + Tizanidine
Severity: Major
Clonidine and Tizanidine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Both drugs are central alpha-2 agonists, so combining them can cause marked hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation. Abrupt discontinuation of clonidine in such patients also raises rebound hypertension concerns.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine and Tizanidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Clonidine belongs to Cardiovascular; Tizanidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Duplicate central alpha-2 adrenergic agonism producing additive sympatholytic and sedative effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, start with low doses and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and sedation closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 Clonidine
- Acebutolol + Clonidine Major
- Amifostine + Clonidine Major
- Amiodarone + Clonidine Major
- Amoxapine + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol + Clonidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clonidine with Tizanidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonidine and Tizanidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs are central alpha-2 agonists, so combining them can cause marked hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation. Abrupt discontinuation of clonidine in such patients also raises rebound hypertension concerns.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine and Tizanidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if used, start with low doses and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and sedation closely.
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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