Zanaflex

(Tizanidine Hydrochloride)

Zanaflex Summary

Zanaflex is a muscle relaxant that is used to treat muscle spasms and increased muscle tone associated with spesticity. Zanaflex works by blocking nerve impulses.

Zanaflex Uses

Zanaflex is used to treat muscle spasms.

Zanaflex - How to Use

Take as directed. Your dosage will probably need to be adjusted by your doctor initially to achieve satisfactory results. Take Zanaflex tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. Do not take with food until you have talked with your health care provider. Food can change the amount of tizanidine absorbed by the body. This can cause Zanaflex not to work for you or to cause more side effects. Take your Zanaflex doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before stopping your medicine; gradual dosage reduction may be needed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of Zanaflex in children. Special care may be needed.

Older patients (age > 65 years) may have a stronger reaction to Zanaflex and may need smaller doses.

Zanaflex - Possible Side Effects

Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, unusual weakness or dry mouth might occur. If these continue or are bothersome, notify your doctor. To minimize dizziness, stand up slowly when arising from a sitting or lying position. Notify your doctor if you develop: yellowing skin or eyes, stomach pain, vomiting, hallucinations. Very unlikely but report: vision or hearing changes, urinary frequency or burning, slow or irregular heartbeat, black stool. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Zanaflex Precautions

Before taking Zanaflex, tell your doctor if you have: any allergies, low blood pressure, liver or heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease. Limit the use of alcohol as alcohol may intensify the dizziness and drowsiness effects of this drug. Use caution when driving or operating machinery or when alertness is required. Zanaflex should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into human milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when Zanaflex is used in the elderly.

Zanaflex Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may take, especially of: blood pressure drugs (e.g., water pills, clonidine, methyldopa, guanabenz, guanfacine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., linezolid, furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline), sleep medicines, sedatives (e.g., diazepam), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), other muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine), certain antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline, trazodone), phenothiazine psychiatric drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine), birth control pills. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Zanaflex Overdose

If Zanaflex overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include trouble breathing or unconsciousness.

Zanaflex - Notes

Your doctor may monitor liver tests during treatment. Do not share Zanaflex with others.

Zanaflex - Missed Dose

If you miss Zanaflex dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Zanaflex Storage

Store Zanaflex at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

To purchase Zanaflex, click here: