TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

ZANAFLEX (tizanidine hydrochloride)

CNS Approved 1996-11-27

Zanaflex helps patients with spasticity manage their symptoms during specific times of the day. Because its effects don't last very long, it is typically used when relief is most necessary for a person's daily activities. This medication provides a targeted approach for those needing temporary reduction in spasticity.

Source: FDA Label • LEGACY PHARMA USA

How ZANAFLEX Works

This drug works by acting as a central alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist to increase the inhibition of motor neurons before they send signals. It primarily affects polysynaptic pathways, which results in less stimulation of the spinal motor neurons. This process ultimately leads to a reduction in muscle spasticity.

2
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
29
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1996-11-27
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
CAPSULE, TABLET

Companies

Active Ingredient: TIZANIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE

ZANAFLEX Approval History

1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
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2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
63 FDA actions from 1996 to 2024
Nov 2024 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
May 2024 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Dec 2020 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What ZANAFLEX Treats

1 indications

ZANAFLEX is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 1996. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Spasticity
Source: FDA Label

ZANAFLEX Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

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Clinical Trial Registry

1 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT05484349 2022-0622 Ph 3 recruiting TIzanidine for the Preventive Treatment of Episodic MigrainE (TIME)
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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

ZANAFLEX FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

ZANAFLEX is indicated for the treatment of Spasticity.

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.