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What is Miderizone 150 mg used for?

4 min read

According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), oral tolperisone, the active ingredient in Miderizone, continues to offer a favorable benefit-to-risk ratio for treating post-stroke spasticity in adults. Miderizone 150 mg is a centrally-acting muscle relaxant used to alleviate muscle stiffness, spasms, and pain resulting from various muscular, vascular, and neurological disorders.

Quick Summary

Miderizone 150 mg, containing tolperisone, is a muscle relaxant prescribed for spasticity following stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions. It is also used for back and neck pain. Its mechanism involves blocking nerve impulses to reduce muscle tone with a lower risk of causing sedation compared to some alternatives.

Key Points

  • Primary Use: Miderizone 150 mg is used to treat muscle spasticity associated with neurological diseases, such as post-stroke spasticity, multiple sclerosis, and myelopathy.

  • Acts Centrally: It functions as a centrally-acting muscle relaxant, stabilizing nerve membranes by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels.

  • Less Sedation: Unlike many other muscle relaxants, Miderizone (tolperisone) has a much lower risk of causing drowsiness or cognitive impairment.

  • Versatile Application: The medication also helps relieve painful muscle spasms associated with musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, spondylosis, and cervical syndromes.

  • Notable Side Effects: While typically mild, side effects can include dizziness, nausea, and headache. Severe allergic reactions are rare but a significant risk.

  • Not in the US Market: Miderizone is widely used in Europe and Asia but is not currently available for prescription in the United States.

In This Article

Understanding Miderizone 150 mg

Miderizone is a medication containing the active ingredient tolperisone, a centrally-acting muscle relaxant widely used in Europe and Asia. A key feature of tolperisone is its ability to relieve muscle spasms and stiffness without the significant sedative effects common with many other central muscle relaxants. The 150 mg dosage is one of the standard strengths available for adults.

The primary therapeutic purpose of Miderizone 150 mg is to treat pathologically increased muscle tone and spasticity. This includes conditions affecting the central nervous system and those stemming from musculoskeletal issues. Its ability to reduce muscle stiffness and improve mobility makes it a valuable tool in managing chronic pain and improving a patient's quality of life. It is important to note that, as of recent reports, tolperisone is not currently available in the United States, though clinical trials are evaluating its potential approval.

Indications for Miderizone 150 mg

Miderizone's use extends across several medical fields. The EMA specifically recommends its oral use for post-stroke spasticity in adults, a condition characterized by constant muscle contraction following a stroke. Other reported uses, particularly in countries where it is approved, include:

  • Neurological Disorders: Addressing increased muscle tone associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis, myelopathy, and encephalomyelitis.
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions: Alleviating painful reflex muscle spasms, contractions, and rigidity associated with issues such as spondylosis (spinal degeneration), spondylarthrosis (arthritis of the spine), and cervical and lumbar syndromes.
  • Vascular Disorders: Some literature suggests potential benefits for conditions related to peripheral circulation, such as obliterating atherosclerosis, diabetic angiopathy, and Raynaud's syndrome.

How Miderizone Works: The Mechanism of Action

Unlike many conventional muscle relaxants that cause drowsiness, tolperisone operates through a unique, non-sedating mechanism. Its effect is centrally mediated, primarily targeting the brainstem and spinal cord. Key aspects of its function include:

  • Blocking Ion Channels: It inhibits voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels in nerve membranes. By stabilizing these impulses, it reduces the hyperexcitability of motor neurons, which is the root cause of muscle contraction.
  • Suppressing Reflexes: It suppresses both mono- and polysynaptic reflexes, decreasing the involuntary nerve signals that contribute to muscle stiffness and spasms.
  • Stabilizing Nerve Membranes: Tolperisone's local anesthetic-like properties help stabilize nerve membranes, further contributing to its muscle relaxant effects.
  • Improving Circulation: Some studies have also observed that tolperisone can improve peripheral circulation independently of its central nervous system effects.

Administration

Miderizone 150 mg is typically taken with food, which increases its bioavailability and effectiveness. Adhering to a healthcare provider's specific instructions is crucial for safe and effective use. The medication's short half-life requires consistent administration throughout the day to maintain therapeutic levels.

Side Effects and Contraindications

While generally well-tolerated, Miderizone can cause side effects. Most are mild and transient, though serious allergic reactions are a rare but significant risk.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and abdominal discomfort
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Dry mouth

Serious Side Effects

  • Hypersensitivity Reactions: Allergic reactions, ranging from skin rashes and hives to severe anaphylactic shock, have been reported. The EMA added warnings regarding these risks, emphasizing that patients should immediately stop taking the medication and contact a doctor if symptoms like swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing occur.

Contraindications and Precautions

  • Myasthenia Gravis: Miderizone is contraindicated in patients with this autoimmune disorder, which causes muscle weakness.
  • Hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known allergy to tolperisone or eperisone should not take Miderizone.
  • Liver or Kidney Dysfunction: Patients with impaired liver or kidney function should use the medication with caution.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to limited clinical data, use during pregnancy (especially the first trimester) and breastfeeding is not recommended unless deemed absolutely necessary by a doctor.

Comparing Miderizone to Other Muscle Relaxants

Tolperisone stands out among muscle relaxants primarily due to its lack of sedating properties. This can be a significant advantage for patients who need to maintain alertness while managing their condition.

Feature Miderizone (Tolperisone) Baclofen Tizanidine Methocarbamol
Mechanism of Action Centrally-acting. Blocks sodium and calcium channels. Centrally-acting. GABA-B receptor agonist. Centrally-acting. Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Centrally-acting. Blocks nerve pain sensations.
Sedative Potential Low. Higher. Common side effect. Higher. Common side effect. Higher. Common side effect.
Primary Use Post-stroke spasticity, neurological and musculoskeletal spasms. Severe spasticity from spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, etc.. Spasticity from multiple sclerosis, stroke. Acute painful musculoskeletal conditions.
Adverse Effects Dizziness, headache, nausea, mild allergic reactions. Weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion. Dry mouth, sleepiness, low blood pressure. Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, headache.
Key Benefit Less sedation, better tolerability. Effective for severe spasticity. Rapid relief for spasticity. Broad use for acute spasms.

Conclusion

Miderizone 150 mg, with its active ingredient tolperisone, is an effective and generally well-tolerated muscle relaxant, particularly noted for its non-sedating profile. It is primarily used to address muscle spasticity resulting from neurological disorders, such as post-stroke recovery, and painful spasms from various musculoskeletal conditions. While widely available internationally, it is not currently approved for use in the US, where similar centrally-acting muscle relaxants are prescribed. Its unique mechanism of action and favorable side-effect profile, especially the reduced risk of drowsiness, make it a valuable option for improving patient mobility and quality of life in appropriate circumstances. Patients with known allergies or myasthenia gravis should avoid it, and its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding requires careful consideration.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any health concerns or before starting a new treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike many other centrally-acting muscle relaxants, Miderizone (tolperisone) is associated with a significantly lower risk of causing drowsiness or cognitive impairment. This makes it a preferred option for patients who need to maintain alertness.

Yes, Miderizone is used to treat painful muscle spasms and rigidity associated with musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain and cervical and lumbar syndromes. It works by relaxing the tight muscles causing the pain.

Miderizone 150 mg tablets should be taken orally as directed by your healthcare provider. It is recommended to take the medication with food, as this increases its absorption.

You should always inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid potential drug interactions. Concomitant use with other centrally-acting muscle relaxants may increase sedative effects.

Common, typically mild, side effects can include headache, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, and weakness. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, such as a rash or difficulty breathing, stop taking it and seek immediate medical attention.

No, Miderizone (tolperisone) is not currently available in the United States, though clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate its potential introduction.

Yes, Miderizone has pediatric administration guidelines, though its use should be decided by a doctor after carefully weighing the benefits and risks.

Studies show that Miderizone (tolperisone) and baclofen have comparable efficacy for reducing spasticity, but Miderizone is often better tolerated with fewer side effects like drowsiness. This is because it lacks significant sedative effects.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.