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Ontralfy contains tizanidine hydrochloride as the active ingredient, which is a central alpha2Âadrenergic agonist. Its chemical name is 5-chloro-4-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)-2,1,3Âbenzothiadiazole monohydrochloride. It has a molecular formula of C9H8ClN5S•HCl and a molecular weight of 290.2. Its structural formula is:
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Tizanidine hydrochloride is a white to off-white, fine crystalline powder, which is odorless or with a faint characteristic odor. Tizanidine hydrochloride is slightly soluble in water and methanol; solubility in water decreases as the pH increases.
Ontralfy is supplied as an oral solution. Each 5 mL contains 2 mg tizanidine (equivalent to 2.29 mg tizanidine hydrochloride), and the inactive ingredients anhydrous citric acid, edetate disodium dihydrate, flavor, methylparaben sodium, propylparaben sodium, purified water, sodium citrate anhydrous, and sucralose. Each 5 mL of Ontralfy contains 2 mg of sodium.
Ontralfy is indicated for the treatment of spasticity in adults.
Monitoring of aminotransferase levels is recommended at baseline and 1 month after maximum dose is achieved [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The recommended starting dose is 2 mg (5 mL) by mouth every 6 to 8 hours, as needed, to a maximum of three doses in 24 hours.
Dosage can be gradually increased every 1 to 4 days by 2 mg (5 mL) to 4 mg (10 mL) at each dose based on clinical response and tolerability. The maximum total daily dosage is 36 mg (90 mL). Single doses greater than 16 mg (40 mL) have not been studied.
The pharmacokinetics of Ontralfy differ when taken with or without food [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Ontralfy may be taken with or without food; however, consistent administration with respect to food is recommended to reduce variability in tizanidine plasma exposure. If administration with respect to food is changed, monitor patients for therapeutic effect or adverse reactions [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Because of the short duration of therapeutic effect, treatment with Ontralfy should be reserved for those daily activities and times when relief of spasticity is most important.
In patients with creatinine clearance < 25 mL/min, use lower individual doses during titration. If higher doses are required, the individual doses rather than dosing frequency should be increased [see Use In Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
In patients with hepatic impairment, use lower individual doses during titration. If higher doses are required, individual doses rather than dosing frequency should be increased [see Use In Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
When discontinuing Ontralfy, particularly in patients who have been receiving high doses for long periods or who may be on concomitant treatment with narcotics, decrease the dosage by 2 mg (5 mL) to 4 mg (10 mL) per day to minimize the risk of withdrawal adverse reactions [see Drug Abuse And Dependence].
Oral Solution: 2 mg/5 mL of tizanidine as a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution with a strawberry flavor.
Ontralfy contains 2 mg/5 mL tizanidine. It is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution with strawberry flavor and is supplied in bottles of 473 mL with child-resistant closure (NDC 82919Â626-16).
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Dispense in containers with child-resistant closure.
Manufactured for: Fidelity BioPharma Co., New Haven, CT 06510 2024, Fidelity BioPharma Co. All rights reserved. Revised: Dec 2024
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in other sections of the prescribing information:
Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The safety of Ontralfy has been established from adequate and well-controlled studies of tizanidine tablets in adult patients with spasticity [see Clinical Studies]. Below is a presentation of the adverse reactions of tizanidine tablets in these adequate and well-controlled studies.
The safety of tizanidine has been evaluated in three double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies [see Clinical Studies]. Two studies were conducted in patients with multiple sclerosis and one in patients with spinal cord injury. Each study had a 13-week active treatment period which included a 3-week titration phase to the maximum tolerated dose up to 36 mg/day in three divided doses, a 9-week plateau phase where the dose of tizanidine was held constant and a 1-week dose tapering period. In all, 264 patients received tizanidine and 261 patients received placebo. Across the three studies approximately 51% of patients were women, and the median dose during the plateau phase ranged from 20 to 28 mg/day.
The most common adverse reactions (>10% of patients treated with tizanidine) reported in multiple dose, placebo-controlled clinical studies involving 264 patients with spasticity were dry mouth, somnolence/sedation, asthenia (weakness, fatigue and/or tiredness), and dizziness. Three-quarters of the patients rated the reactions as mild to moderate and one-quarter of the patients rated the reactions as being severe. These adverse reactions appeared to be dose related.
Table 1 lists adverse reactions that were reported in greater than 2% of patients in three multiple dose, placebo-controlled studies who received tizanidine where the frequency in the tizanidine group was greater than the placebo group.
Table 1: Multiple Dose, Placebo-Controlled Studies Adverse Reactions Reported in >2% of Patients Treated with Tizanidine Tablets and Incidence Greater than Placebo
| Adverse Reaction | Placebo N = 261 % |
Tizanidine Tablet N = 264 % |
| Dry mouth | 10 | 49 |
| Somnolence | 10 | 48 |
| Asthenia* | 16 | 41 |
| Dizziness | 4 | 16 |
| UTI | 7 | 10 |
| Infection | 5 | 6 |
| Liver test abnormality | 2 | 6 |
| Constipation | 1 | 4 |
| Vomiting | 0 | 3 |
| Speech disorder | 0 | 3 |
| Amblyopia (blurred vision) | <1 | 3 |
| Urinary frequency | 2 | 3 |
| Flu syndrome | 2 | 3 |
| Dyskinesia | 0 | 3 |
| Nervousness | <1 | 3 |
| Pharyngitis | 1 | 3 |
| Rhinitis | 2 | 3 |
| * includes weakness, fatigue, and/or tiredness | ||
In the single dose, placebo-controlled study involving 142 patients with spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (Study 1) [see Clinical Studies], the patients were specifically asked if they had experienced any of the four most common adverse reactions: dry mouth, somnolence (drowsiness), asthenia (weakness, fatigue and/or tiredness), and dizziness. In addition, hypotension and bradycardia were observed. The occurrence of these reactions is summarized in Table 2. Other events were, in general, reported at a rate of 2% or less.
Table 2: Single Dose, Placebo-Controlled Study—Common Adverse Reactions Reported
| Adverse Reaction | Placebo N = 48% |
Tizanidine Tablet,8 mg, N = 45% |
Tizanidine Tablet, 16 mg, N = 49% |
| Somnolence | 31 | 78 | 92 |
| Dry mouth | 35 | 76 | 88 |
| Asthenia* | 40 | 67 | 78 |
| Dizziness | 4 | 22 | 45 |
| Hypotension | 0 | 16 | 33 |
| Bradycardia | 0 | 2 | 10 |
| *includes weakness, fatigue, and/or tiredness | |||
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of tizanidine. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Cardiac Disorders: Ventricular tachycardia, decreased blood pressure
Hepatobiliary Disorders: Hepatotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS], hepatitis
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: arthralgia
Nervous System Disorders: Convulsion, paresthesia, tremor, muscle spasms
Psychiatric Disorders: Hallucinations [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS], depression
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Stevens Johnson Syndrome, anaphylactic reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS], exfoliative dermatitis, rash
Concomitant use of Ontralfy with strong cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin) is contraindicated. Changes in pharmacokinetics of tizanidine when administered with a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor resulted in significantly decreased blood pressure, increased drowsiness, and increased psychomotor impairment [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Concomitant use of Ontralfy with moderate or weak CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., zileuton, antiarrhythmics [amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone, and verapamil], cimetidine, famotidine, oral contraceptives, acyclovir, and ticlopidine) should be avoided. If concomitant use is clinically necessary, and adverse reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia, or excessive drowsiness occur, reduce Ontralfy dosage or discontinue Ontralfy therapy [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Concomitant use of Ontralfy with oral contraceptives is not recommended. However, if concomitant use is clinically necessary and adverse reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia, or excessive drowsiness occur, reduce or discontinue Ontralfy therapy [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Alcohol increases the exposure of tizanidine after administration of Ontralfy. This was associated with an increase in adverse reactions of tizanidine.
Concomitant use of Ontralfy with CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may cause additive CNS depressant effects, including sedation. Monitor patients who take Ontralfy with another CNS depressant for symptoms of excess sedation [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Concomitant use of Ontralfy with other α2-adrenergic agonists is not recommended because hypotensive effects may be cumulative [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Concomitant use of Ontralfy with antihypertensive medications may cause additive hypotensive effects [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Monitor patients who take Ontralfy with antihypertensive medications for hypotension.
Ontralfy contains tizanidine, which is not a controlled substance.
Abuse is the intentional, non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, for its desirable psychological or physiological effects. Abuse potential was not evaluated in human studies. Rats were able to distinguish tizanidine from saline in a standard discrimination paradigm, after training, but failed to generalize the effects of morphine, cocaine, diazepam, or phenobarbital to tizanidine.
Physical dependence is a state that develops as a result of physiological adaptation in response to repeated drug use, manifested by withdrawal signs and symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dose reduction of a drug. Tizanidine is closely related to clonidine, which is often abused in combination with narcotics and is known to cause symptoms of rebound upon abrupt withdrawal. Cases of rebound symptoms on sudden withdrawal of tizanidine have been reported. The case reports suggest that these patients were also misusing narcotics. Withdrawal symptoms included hypertension, tachycardia, hypertonia, tremor, and anxiety. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur in cases where high doses are used, especially for prolonged periods, or with concomitant use of narcotics. If therapy needs to be discontinued, the dose should be decreased slowly to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Monkeys were shown to self-administer tizanidine in a dose-dependent manner, and abrupt cessation of tizanidine produced transient signs of withdrawal at doses > 35 times the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m² basis. These transient withdrawal signs (increased locomotion, body twitching, and aversive behavior toward the observer) were not reversed by naloxone administration.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Ontralfy is an α2-adrenergic agonist that can produce hypotension [see ADVERSE REACTIONS Â and DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Syncope has been reported in patients treated with tizanidine in the postmarketing setting. The risk of hypotension may be minimized by dose titration; monitoring for signs and symptoms of hypotension prior to dosage increase may minimize the risks associated with hypotension. In addition, patients moving from a supine to fixed upright position may be at increased risk for hypotension and orthostatic effects.
Monitor for hypotension when Ontralfy is used in patients receiving concurrent antihypertensive therapy. It is not recommended that Ontralfy be used with other α2-adrenergic agonists. Clinically significant hypotension (decreases in both systolic and diastolic pressure) has been reported with concomitant administration of tizanidine and strong CYP1A2 inhibitors [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Therefore, concomitant use of Ontralfy with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Ontralfy may cause hepatocellular liver injury. Liver function test abnormality and hepatotoxicity have been observed with tizanidine, the active moiety of Ontralfy [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Monitoring of aminotransferase levels is recommended at baseline and 1 month after maximum dose is achieved, or if hepatic injury is suspected [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Use In Specific Populations].
Ontralfy can cause sedation, which may interfere with everyday activity. In the multiple dose studies of tizanidine, the prevalence of patients with sedation peaked following the first week of titration and then remained stable for the duration of the maintenance phase of the study [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The CNS depressant effects of Ontralfy with alcohol and other CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive [see DRUG INTERACTIONS ]. Monitor patients who take Ontralfy with another CNS depressant for symptoms of excess sedation.
Tizanidine use has been associated with hallucinations. Formed, visual hallucinations or delusions were reported in 5 of 170 patients (3%) in two North American controlled clinical studies of tizanidine. Most of the patients were aware that the events were unreal. One patient developed psychosis in association with the hallucinations. One patient among these 5 continued to have problems for at least 2 weeks following discontinuation of tizanidine. Hallucinations have also been reported with tizanidine use in the postmarketing setting. Consider discontinuing Ontralfy in patients who develop hallucinations.
Ontralfy can cause anaphylaxis. Signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity, including respiratory compromise, urticaria, and angioedema of the throat and tongue, have been reported. Ontralfy is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to tizanidine [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Ontralfy can cause withdrawal adverse reactions, which include rebound hypertension, tachycardia, and hypertonia. To minimize the risk of these reactions, particularly in patients who have been receiving high doses of Ontralfy (20 to 28 mg daily) for long periods of time (9 weeks or more) or who may be on concomitant treatment with narcotics, the Ontralfy dosage should be decreased slowly [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Tizanidine was administered to mice for 78 weeks at oral doses up to 16 mg/kg/day, which is 2 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 36 mg/day on a body surface area (mg/m²) basis. Tizanidine was administered to rats for 104 weeks at oral doses up to 9 mg/kg/day, which is 2.5 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis. There was no increase in tumors in either species.
Tizanidine was negative in in vitro (bacterial reverse mutation [Ames], mammalian gene mutation, and chromosomal aberration test in mammalian cells) and in vivo (bone marrow micronucleus, and cytogenetics) assay.
Oral administration of tizanidine to rats prior to and during mating and continuing during early pregnancy in females resulted in reduced fertility in male and female rats at doses of 30 and 10 mg/kg/day, respectively. No effect on fertility was observed at doses of 10 (male) and 3 (female) mg/kg/day, which are approximately 3 times and similar to the MRHD, respectively, on a mg/m² basis.
There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with use of tizanidine in pregnant women. In animal studies, administration of tizanidine during pregnancy resulted in developmental toxicity (embryofetal and postnatal offspring mortality and growth deficits) at doses less than those used clinically, which were not associated with maternal toxicity (see Animal Data).
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% -4% and 15% -20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Animal Data
Oral administration of tizanidine (0.3 to 100 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in embryofetal and postnatal offspring mortality and reductions in body weight at doses of 30 mg/kg/day and above. Maternal toxicity was observed at the highest dose tested. The no-effect dose for embryofetal developmental toxicity in rats (3 mg/kg/day) is similar to the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 36 mg/day on a body surface area (mg/m²) basis.
Oral administration of tizanidine (1 to 100 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in embryofetal and postnatal offspring mortality at all doses. Maternal toxicity was observed at the highest dose tested. Oral administration of tizanidine (10 and 30 mg/kg/day) during the perinatal period of pregnancy (2-6 days prior to delivery) resulted in increased postnatal offspring mortality at both doses. A no-effect dose for embryofetal developmental toxicity in rabbit was not identified. The lowest dose tested (1 mg/kg/day) is less than the MRHD on a mg/m² basis.
In a pre-and postnatal development study in rats, oral administration of tizanidine (3 to 30 mg/kg/day) resulted in increased postnatal offspring mortality. A no-effect dose for pre-and postnatal developmental toxicity was not identified. The lowest dose tested (3 mg/kg/day) is similar to the MRHD on a mg/m² basis, respectively.
There are no data on the presence of tizanidine in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on human milk production. Animal studies have reported the presence of tizanidine in the milk of lactating animals.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Ontralfy and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Ontralfy or from the underlying maternal condition.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans on the effect of Ontralfy on female or male reproductive potential. Oral administration of tizanidine to male and female rats resulted in adverse effects on fertility [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Oral administration of tizanidine (0, 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/day) to juvenile rats from postnatal day (PND) 7 through PND 70 resulted in delayed sexual maturation in males at all doses, reduced body weight gain, delayed sexual maturation in females, and bilateral corneal crystals at the mid and high doses. Corneal crystals were still observed at the mid and high doses after a three-week recovery period. Neurobehavioral deficits were observed on a learning and memory task at the high dose. A no-effect dose for adverse effects on postnatal development was not identified.
Tizanidine is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.
Clinical studies of tizanidine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Pharmacokinetic data showed that elderly subjects cleared tizanidine slower than the younger subjects [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In elderly patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 25 mL/min), tizanidine clearance is reduced compared to healthy elderly subjects; this would be expected to lead to a longer duration of clinical effect. During titration, the individual doses should be reduced. If higher doses are required, individual doses rather than dosing frequency should be increased. Monitor elderly patients because they may have an increased risk for adverse reactions associated with Ontralfy.
In patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 25 mL/min), clearance of tizanidine was reduced [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In these patients, dosage reduction is recommended [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Because the risk of adverse reactions to Ontralfy may be greater in patients with impaired renal function, monitor these patients closely for the onset or increase in severity of common adverse reactions [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Ontralfy should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. The influence of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of tizanidine has not been evaluated. Because tizanidine is extensively metabolized in the liver, hepatic impairment would be expected to have significant effects on pharmacokinetics of tizanidine [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In patients with hepatic impairment, dosage reduction is recommended [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
A review of the safety surveillance database revealed cases of intentional and accidental tizanidine overdose. Some of the cases resulted in fatality and many of the intentional overdoses were with multiple drugs including CNS depressants. The clinical manifestations of tizanidine overdose were consistent with its known pharmacology. In the majority of cases a decrease in sensorium was observed including lethargy, somnolence, confusion and coma. Depressed cardiac function is also observed including most often bradycardia and hypotension. Respiratory depression is another common feature of tizanidine overdose.
Should overdose occur, ensure the adequacy of an airway and monitor cardiovascular and respiratory function. Dialysis is not likely to be an efficient method of removing tizanidine from the body [see DESCRIPTION]. In general, symptoms resolve within one to three days following discontinuation of tizanidine and administration of appropriate therapy. Because of the similar mechanism of action, symptoms and management of tizanidine overdose are similar to that following clonidine overdose. For the most recent information concerning the management of overdose, contact a poison control center.
Ontralfy is contraindicated in patients:
Tizanidine is a central alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist and presumably reduces spasticity by increasing presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons. The effects of tizanidine are greatest on polysynaptic pathways. The overall effect of these actions is thought to reduce facilitation of spinal motor neurons.
The CNS depressant effects of tizanidine and alcohol are additive [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Tizanidine has linear pharmacokinetics over the doses studied in clinical development [1 mg (half the recommended dosage) to 20 mg]. Ontralfy oral solution has comparable bioavailability to tizanidine oral tablets under fasted and fed conditions and to tizanidine oral capsules under the fed condition.
Following oral administration, tizanidine is essentially completely absorbed. The absolute oral bioavailability of tizanidine is approximately 40% (CV = 24%), due to extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism.
Effect Of Food
In a single dose pharmacokinetic study in healthy adult subjects, the administration of Ontralfy following a standardized high-fat, high-calorie breakfast had minimal effect on the Cmax of tizanidine; however, AUC was increased by approximately 33% when compared to dosing under fasting condition. The median Tmax and mean elimination half-life (t½) are similar under both fasting and fed conditions.
Tizanidine is extensively distributed throughout the body with a mean steady state volume of distribution of 2.4 L/kg (CV = 21%) following intravenous administration in healthy adult volunteers. Tizanidine is approximately 30% bound to plasma proteins.
Metabolism
Tizanidine has a half-life of approximately 2.5 hours (CV=33%). Approximately 95% of an administered dose is metabolized. The primary cytochrome P450 isoenzyme involved in tizanidine metabolism is CYP1A2. Tizanidine metabolites are not known to be active; their half-lives range from 20 to 40 hours.
Excretion
Following single and multiple oral dosing of 14C-tizanidine, an average of 60% and 20% of total radioactivity was recovered in the urine and feces, respectively.
No specific pharmacokinetic study was conducted to investigate age effects. Cross study comparison of pharmacokinetic data following single dose administration of 6 mg tizanidine showed that elderly subjects cleared the drug four times slower than younger subjects [see Use In Specific Populations].
The influence of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of tizanidine has not been  evaluated. Because tizanidine is extensively metabolized in the liver, hepatic impairment would  be expected to have significant effects on pharmacokinetics of tizanidine [see Use In Specific  Populations].
Tizanidine clearance is reduced by more than 50% in elderly patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 25 mL/min) compared to healthy elderly subjects; this would be expected to lead to a longer duration of clinical effect. [see Use In Specific Populations].
No specific pharmacokinetic study was conducted to investigate gender effects. Retrospective  analysis of pharmacokinetic data following single and multiple dose administration of 4 mg  tizanidine, however, showed that gender had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of tizanidine.
The effects of coadministration of fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin, both strong CYP1A2 inhibitors, on the pharmacokinetics of a single 4 mg dose of tizanidine was studied in 10 healthy subjects. The Cmax, AUC, and half-life of tizanidine increased by 12-fold, 33-fold, and 3-fold, respectively, with coadministration of fluvoxamine. The Cmax and AUC of tizanidine increased by 7-fold and 10-fold, respectively, with coadministration of ciprofloxacin [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
There have been no clinical studies evaluating the effects of other CYP1A2 inhibitors on  tizanidine [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
In vitro studies of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes using human liver microsomes indicate that  neither tizanidine nor the major metabolites are likely to affect the metabolism of other drugs  metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes.
No specific pharmacokinetic study was conducted to investigate interaction between oral  contraceptives and Ontralfy. Retrospective analysis of population pharmacokinetic data  following single and multiple dose administration of 4 mg tizanidine, however, showed that  women concurrently taking oral contraceptives had 50% lower clearance of tizanidine compared  to women not on oral contraceptives [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Acetaminophen  Tizanidine delayed the Tmax of acetaminophen by 16 minutes. Acetaminophen did not affect the pharmacokinetics of tizanidine. Â
Alcohol increased the AUC and Cmax of tizanidine by approximately 20% and 15%, respectively [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Â
The efficacy of Ontralfy is supported by evidence from a relative bioavailability study in healthy adult subjects comparing Ontralfy to tizanidine tablets under fasted and fed conditions [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. The clinical studies described below were conducted using tizanidine tablets.
The efficacy of tizanidine for the treatment of spasticity was demonstrated in two adequate and well-controlled studies in patients with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury (Studies 1 and 2).
In Study 1, 140 patients with spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis were randomized to receive single oral doses of 8 mg or 16 mg tizanidine, or placebo. Patients and assessors were blinded to treatment assignment and efforts were made to reduce the likelihood that assessors would become aware indirectly of treatment assignment (e.g., they did not provide direct care to patients and were prohibited from asking questions about side effects).
Response was assessed by physical examination; muscle tone was rated on a 5-point scale (Ashworth score) as follows:
Spasm counts were also collected.
Assessments were made at 1, 2, 3 and 6 hours after treatment. A statistically significant reduction of the Ashworth score for tizanidine compared to placebo was detected at 1, 2 and 3 hours after treatment. Figure 1 below shows a comparison of the mean change in muscle tone from baseline as measured by the Ashworth scale. The greatest reduction in muscle tone was 1 to 2 hours after treatment. By 6 hours after treatment, muscle tone in the 8 mg and 16 mg tizanidine groups was indistinguishable from muscle tone in patients who received placebo. Within a given patient, improvement in muscle tone was correlated with plasma concentration. Plasma concentrations were variable from patient to patient at a given dose. Although 16 mg produced a larger effect, adverse reactions including hypotension were more common and more severe than in the 8 mg group. There were no differences in the number of spasms occurring in each group.
Figure 1: Single Dose Study—Mean Change in Muscle Tone from Baseline as Measured by the Ashworth Scale ± 95% Confidence Interval (A Negative Ashworth Score Signifies an Improvement in Muscle Tone from Baseline)
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In a 7-week study (Study 2), 118 patients with spasticity secondary to spinal cord injury were randomized to either placebo or tizanidine. Steps similar to those taken in the first study were employed to ensure the integrity of blinding.
Patients were titrated over 3 weeks up to a maximum tolerated dose or 36 mg daily given in three unequal doses (e.g., 10 mg given in the morning and afternoon and 16 mg given at night). Patients were then maintained on their maximally tolerated dose for 4 additional weeks (i.e., maintenance phase). Throughout the maintenance phase, muscle tone was assessed on the Ashworth scale within a period of 2.5 hours following either the morning or afternoon dose. The number of daytime spasms was recorded daily by patients.
At endpoint (the protocol-specified time of outcome assessment), there was a statistically significant reduction in muscle tone and frequency of spasms in the tizanidine treated group compared to placebo. The reduction in muscle tone was not associated with a reduction in muscle strength (a desirable outcome) but also did not lead to any consistent advantage of tizanidine treated patients on measures of activities of daily living. Figure 2 below shows a comparison of the mean change in muscle tone from baseline as measured by the Ashworth scale.
Figure 2: Seven Week Study—Mean Change in Muscle Tone 0.5–2.5 Hours After Dosing as Measured by the Ashworth Scale ± 95% Confidence Interval (A Negative Ashworth Score Signifies an Improvement in Muscle Tone from Baseline)
 |
Advise patients they should not take Ontralfy if they are taking fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin because of the increased risk of serious adverse reactions including severe lowering of blood pressure and sedation. Instruct patients to inform their healthcare providers when they start or stop taking any medication because of the risks associated with interaction between Ontralfy and other medicines [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Tell patients to take Ontralfy exactly as prescribed (consistently either with or without food) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Inform patients that they should not take more Ontralfy than prescribed because of the risk of adverse events at single doses greater than 8 mg or total daily doses greater than 36 mg. Tell patients that they should not suddenly discontinue Ontralfy, because rebound hypertension and tachycardia may occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Warn patients that they may experience hypotension and to be careful when changing from a lying or sitting to a standing position [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Tell patients that Ontralfy may cause them to become sedated or somnolent and they should be careful when performing activities that require alertness, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Tell patients that the sedation may be additive when Ontralfy is taken in conjunction with drugs (baclofen, benzodiazepines) or substances (e.g., alcohol) that act as CNS depressants.
Remind patients that if they depend on their spasticity to sustain posture and balance in locomotion, or whenever spasticity is utilized to obtain increased function, that Ontralfy decreases spasticity and caution should be used.
Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of severe allergic reactions and instruct them to discontinue Ontralfy and seek immediate medical care should these signs and symptoms occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
