* Generic Name: tizanidine
* Brand Name: Zanaflex
* What is tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
* What are the possible side effects of tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
* How should I take tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Zanaflex)?
* What happens if I overdose (Zanaflex)?
* What should I avoid while taking tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
* What other drugs will affect tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
* Where can I get more information (Zanaflex)?
What is tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
Tizanidine is a short-acting muscle relaxer. It works by blocking
nerve impulses (pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
Tizanidine is used to treat spasticity by temporarily relaxing
muscle tone.
Tizanidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
* weak or shallow breathing;
* confusion, hallucinations; or
* pain or burning when you urinate.
Common side effects may include:
* drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
* feeling nervous;
* blurred vision;
* flu-like symptoms;
* dry mouth, trouble speaking;
* abnormal liver function tests;
* runny nose, sore throat;
* urination problems;
* vomiting, constipation; or
* uncontrolled muscle movements.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about tizanidine
(Zanaflex)?
You should not take tizanidine if you are also taking fluvoxamine
(Luvox) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro).
Do not use tizanidine at a time when you need muscle tone for safe
balance and movement during certain activities.
Zanaflex Patient Information including How Should I Take
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tizanidine
(Zanaflex)?
You should not use tizanidine if you are allergic to it, or if:
* you also take the antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox); or
* you also take the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro).
To make sure tizanidine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
* liver disease;
* kidney disease; or
* low blood pressure.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether tizanidine passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
recommended.
In most cases you may take tizanidine up to 3 times in one day if
needed. Allow 6 to 8 hours to pass between doses.
You may take tizanidine with or without food, but take it the same way
each time. Switching between taking tizanidine with food and taking it
without food can make the medicine less effective or cause increased
side effects.
Switching between tizanidine tablets and capsules can also cause
changes in side effects or how well the medicine works.
* Taking the tablets with food can increase your blood levels of
tizanidine.
* Taking the capsules with food can decrease your blood levels of
tizanidine.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. After making any changes
in how you take tizanidine, contact your doctor if you notice any
change in side effects or in how well the medicine works.
Tizanidine is a short-acting medication, and its effects will be most
noticeable between 1 and 3 hours after you take it. You should take
tizanidine only for daily activities that require relief from muscle
spasms.
Do not take more than three doses (36 mg) in a 24-hour period. Too much
of this medicine can damage your liver.
You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
If you stop using tizanidine suddenly after long-term use, you may have
withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, fast heartbeats,
tremors, and anxiety. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this
medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Zanaflex Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
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What happens if I miss a dose (Zanaflex)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Zanaflex)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include weakness, drowsiness, confusion, slow
heart rate, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
Do not use tizanidine at a time when you need muscle tone for safe
balance and movement during certain activities. In some situations, it
may be dangerous for you to have reduced muscle tone.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up
too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get
up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
What other drugs will affect tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
Taking tizanidine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your
breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor
before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription
cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression,
or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
stop using, especially:
* acyclovir;
* ticlopidine;
* zileuton;
* birth control pills;
* an antibiotic--ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin,
moxifloxacin, or ofloxacin;
* blood pressure medicine--clonidine, guanfacine,
methyldopa;
* heart rhythm medicine--amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone,
verapamil; or
* stomach acid medicine--cimetidine, famotidine.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with tizanidine,
including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
medication guide.
Where can I get more information (Zanaflex)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about tizanidine.
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