USES
Zanaflex (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.
