Publication:

Efficacy and tolerability of eperisone versus tizanidine in patients suffering from low back pain with muscle spasm

Background Low back pain (LBP), a high prevalent condition, is usually associated with 'muscle spasm' that is responsible for giving rise to pain. Eperisone hydrochloride is widely used for treatment associated muscle stiffness and pain. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of eperisone tablets 50 mg three times daily versus tizanidine 2 mg tablets thrice daily for the treatment of low back pain with muscle spasm.

Methods The study was carried in 50 patients from a private hospital at Mumbai. Only patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were enrolled into the study. Subjects suffering from low back pain with spasm were divided in two groups. The patients were then followed up on Day-14.

Results Patients receiving eperisone showed a mean value of 16.48±1.15 in the Roland Morris low back pain and disability questionnaire both groups on day 1 and was reduced to 7.92±1.15 (51.94%) on day 7 and 2.56±1.53 (84.46%) on day 14. Similarly, the patients in tizanidine group had mean value of 15.96±1.62 on day 1, which was reduced to 6.76±1.66 (57.64%) on day 7, and 2.88±1.92 (81.95%) on day 14, as similar to eperisone group. There was no statistical significant difference between the two groups, (p>0.05) for pain at rest, pain at night, restriction of movement, changes in stiffness, changes in numbness and changes in tenderness. There was statistical significant difference between the two groups, (p<0.05) for pain on movement and kinesalgia.

Conclusions Eperisone was found to be comparable to Tizanidine in improving the signs and symptoms of changes in pain Self-assessment by the patient on different applied parameters.