USES
Zanaflex (Tizanidine) is a muscle relaxant. It works
by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that
are sent to your brain. Zanaflex (Tizanidine) is used
to treat increased muscle tone associated with spasticity.
Zanaflex (Tizanidine) may also be used for purposes
other than those listed in this med guide.
WHAT TO KNOW
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Zanaflex (Tizanidine) 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 Zanaflex (Tizanidine). Do not take any
other medicine during treatment with Zanaflex (Tizanidine)
without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
WHAT IS IT
Zanaflex (Tizanidine) is a muscle relaxant. It works
by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that
are sent to your brain. Zanaflex (Tizanidine) is used
to treat increased muscle tone associated with spasticity.
Zanaflex (Tizanidine) may also be used for purposes
other than those listed in this med guide.
BEFORE USING
Before taking this med, tell your doctor if you:
have liver disease
have kidney disease
have low blood pressure or are on med to treat high
blood pressure
are taking birth control pills.
You may not be able to take Zanaflex (Tizanidine), or
you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during
treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Zanaflex (Tizanidine) is in the FDA pregnancy C. This
means that it is not known whether Zanaflex (Tizanidine)
will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this med without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It
is not known whether Zanaflex (Tizanidine) passes into
breast milk. Do not take Zanaflex (Tizanidine) without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION
Take Zanaflex (Tizanidine) 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.
Zanaflex (Tizanidine) is usually taken several times
a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not take
more than three doses of Zanaflex (Tizanidine)--or
more than 36 mg--in 24 hours. Too much of this med
can damage your liver. Store Zanaflex (Tizanidine)
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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 med.
OVER DOSE
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Zanaflex
(Tizanidine) overdose are not well known but include
unconsciousness and irregular breathing.
SIDE EFFECTS
If you experience any of the following serious side effects,
stop taking Zanaflex (Tizanidine) 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
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 Zanaflex (Tizanidine) and talk
to your doctor if you experience:
drowsiness or dizziness
weakness; dry mouth
increased muscle tone or spasms
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.
PRECAUTIONS
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Zanaflex (Tizanidine) 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 Zanaflex (Tizanidine). Do not take any
other medicine during treatment with Zanaflex (Tizanidine)
without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Zanaflex (Tizanidine) 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 Zanaflex
(Tizanidine). Tell your doctor if you are taking birth
control pills before starting treatment with Zanaflex
(Tizanidine). Zanaflex (Tizanidine) 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 Zanaflex (Tizanidine).
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
