Flexifen 5 mg is indicated for the management of spasticity and associated symptoms including flexor spasms, clonus, muscular rigidity, and pain. It is particularly useful in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, cerebrovascular accidents (strokes), neoplastic or degenerative brain diseases, and rheumatic disorders. The drug helps relieve skeletal muscle spasms and improves mobility, functioning, and overall quality of life in affected patients.

রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন

Therapeutic Class:
Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants.

Pharmacology:
Flexifen 5 mg is a muscle relaxant and antispastic agent that primarily acts at the spinal level. Its mechanism involves stimulation of GABAB receptors, which inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters glutamate and aspartate. This action reduces both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes, leading to decreased muscle tone. Flexifen 5 mg may also exert CNS depressant effects at intraspinal sites and demonstrates an antinociceptive (pain-relieving) effect, though the clinical significance of this effect remains uncertain. Notably, it does not affect neuromuscular transmission.

Dosage & Administration:
Flexifen 5 mg should be taken with a small amount of liquid during meals. In adults, therapy typically starts at a low dose and is gradually increased to the lowest effective dose, usually within 30–80 mg/day, divided into three doses. Maximum daily doses generally should not exceed 80 mg. For children, treatment begins with 0.3 mg/kg/day in divided doses, titrated carefully every 1–2 weeks. Maintenance doses usually range from 0.75–2 mg/kg/day, with a maximum of 2.5 mg/kg/day for children over 10 years.

Drug Interactions:

• CNS depressants, alcohol, opioids: Increased sedation and respiratory depression.

• Antihypertensives: May intensify hypotensive effects; dose adjustment may be necessary.

• Tricyclic antidepressants: Enhanced muscular hypotonia.

• Levodopa/carbidopa in Parkinson’s disease: Risk of confusion, hallucinations, nausea, agitation.

• MAO inhibitors: Increased CNS depression.

• Magnesium sulfate and neuromuscular blockers: Potential synergistic effects.

Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to tizanidine or any component of the product.

Side Effects:
Common adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. Less frequent but serious effects include CNS disturbances (confusion, hallucinations, seizures), cardiovascular reactions (hypotension, palpitations), gastrointestinal upset, genitourinary issues (urinary retention, enuresis), muscular hypotonia, and dermatologic reactions (rash, pruritus).

রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন

Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy Category B3. Use only if potential benefits outweigh risks. Excreted in breast milk in minimal amounts; generally considered safe.

Precautions:
Caution in renal or hepatic impairment, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, peptic ulcers, and cardiopulmonary diseases. Patients should be monitored for respiratory depression, cardiovascular changes, and acute urinary retention.

Overdose:
Gastric lavage and symptomatic supportive therapy may be required in case of overdose.

Storage:
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.