Current medical research and opinion
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A double-blind comparative trial of new muscle relaxant, tizanidine (DS 103-282), and baclofen in the treatment of chronic spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
A double-blind trial with two parallel groups was carried out to compare the antispastic effect and tolerability of a new muscle relaxant, tizanidine (DS 103-282), with those of baclofen in the treatment of spasticity due to multiple sclerosis. Twenty-one hospitalized patients with stable spasticity participated in the 6-week trial. Eleven received tizanidine and 10 baclofen in gradually increasing daily doses. ⋯ Tiredness was the most frequent side-effect on tizanidine and muscle weakness on baclofen. The laboratory tests did not show any pathological changes with either medication. According to these results, tizanidine provides a new therapeutic alternative in the treatment of spasticity.