Zanaflex (Tizanidine)

ABOUT ZANAFLEX

Zanaflex (Tizanidine) is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Zanaflex is used to treat increased muscle tone associated with spasticity.

USES:

This medication is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. It is used to treat increased muscle tone associated with spasticity. It may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. 

HOW TO USE:

Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. This medication is usually taken several times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not take more than three doses of zanaflex--or more than 36 mg--in 24 hours. Too much of this medication can damage your liver.

PRECAUTIONS:

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. This medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Dizziness is most likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Use caution with alcohol, other muscle relaxants, sleep or anxiety medicines, and pain medicines. These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking this medication. Do not take any other medicine during treatment with this medication without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. 

SIDE EFFECTS:

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); hallucinations or abnormal behavior; or liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take this medication and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness or dizziness; weakness; dry mouth; increased muscle tone or spasms; or sweating. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. 

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

This medication may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Birth control pills can increase the effects of this medication. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills before starting treatment with this medication. This medication may lower blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking another medicine to lower blood pressure or a medicine to treat another heart condition. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with this medication. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. 

MISSED DOSE

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. 

OVERDOSE:

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose are not well known but include unconsciousness and irregular breathing.