An imprint code like “T257” is the primary way to determine the contents, strength, and intended use of a prescription tablet. Taking any medication that has not been specifically prescribed to you can be extremely dangerous, potentially leading to severe side effects, harmful drug interactions, or accidental overdose. Understanding the drug’s properties, function, and associated risks is necessary before consumption.
Identifying the T257 Tablet
The imprint “T257” identifies a Tizanidine Hydrochloride tablet, typically supplied in a 4 milligram (mg) strength. This medication is classified as a skeletal muscle relaxant. Tizanidine tablets are generally white or off-white, circular, and may feature a score line to facilitate breaking.
The formulation contains the active ingredient, Tizanidine hydrochloride. As a centrally acting agent, Tizanidine is structurally related to the antihypertensive drug clonidine. It acts upon the central nervous system to reduce muscle tone and spasticity.
Therapeutic Use and Function
Tizanidine is primarily prescribed for the management of spasticity, which is an involuntary increase in muscle tone, stiffness, and exaggerated deep tendon reflexes. This condition is often associated with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or stroke. The medication is considered short-acting, with relief most pronounced between one and three hours after being taken.
The drug operates as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, exerting its effects within the central nervous system at the spinal and supraspinal levels. By stimulating alpha-2 receptors, Tizanidine increases the presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons. This action reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and aspartate, which cause nerve signals leading to muscle spasms.
This inhibitory action reduces pathologically increased muscle tone, alleviating symptoms like painful spasms, clonus, and resistance to passive movements. Tizanidine is an FDA-approved treatment for spasticity, though it may also be used off-label for conditions like chronic neck or lower back pain.
Dosage, Warnings, and Side Effects
Tizanidine therapy typically begins with a low dose, such as 2 mg, which is then gradually increased (titrated) based on the patient’s response and tolerance. The medication is usually taken up to three times a day, with a recommended interval of six to eight hours between doses. A single dose should not exceed 8 mg, and the total daily dose must not surpass 36 mg, as higher doses increase the risk of adverse effects.
One significant warning is the risk of hypotension (low blood pressure), which can manifest as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. The blood pressure-lowering effect is dose-related, sometimes causing a notable reduction in pressure within one hour of administration. Patients who are already taking antihypertensive medications must be monitored closely for excessive blood pressure drops.
The drug also poses a risk of hepatotoxicity (liver injury), necessitating regular monitoring of liver function tests. Approximately five percent of patients in clinical studies have shown elevations in liver enzymes. If Tizanidine is abruptly stopped after long-term use, withdrawal symptoms can occur, including rebound hypertension, tachycardia, and increased muscle spasticity; therefore, the dosage must be gradually decreased.
Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, asthenia (weakness or fatigue), and dizziness, with drowsiness being reported in nearly half of patients in some studies. Due to the risk of increased sedation and hypotension, the medication should not be combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. Tizanidine is also contraindicated with potent inhibitors of the CYP1A2 liver enzyme, such as the antibiotic ciprofloxacin or the antidepressant fluvoxamine, as these combinations can dangerously increase the drug’s concentration in the blood.