The effect of tizanidine given as a premedication on perioperative hemodynamics (mean blood pressure, heart rate), sedation, hypnosis and midazolam requirements for induction were assessed in 68 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were assigned to three groups. Group 1 was premedicated 90 min prior to induction with tizanidine 4 mg po (n = 28); group 2 was premedicated with tizanidine 2 mg po (n = 12); group 3 received no premedication (n = 28). In group 1, increase of mean blood pressure on anesthesia induction was attenuated significantly and sedative and hypnotic effects were stronger significantly compared with other groups. We also found that the amounts of midazolam necessary for loss of consciousness were significantly less in patients who had received tizanidine 4 mg. In conclusion, tizanidine is a useful drug as preanesthetic medication for general anesthesia.