This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Zanaflex Consumer Information
ZANAFLEX
Generic Name: tizanidine (tye ZA ni dine)
Brand Names: Zanaflex
What is the most important information I should know about tizanidine?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. 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 tizanidine. Do not take any other medicine during treatment with tizanidine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
What is tizanidine?
- Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
- Tizanidine is used to treat increased muscle tone associated with spasticity.
- Tizanidine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tizanidine?
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
- have liver disease,
- have kidney disease,
- have low blood pressure or are on medication to treat high blood pressure; or
- are taking birth control pills.
- You may not be able to take tizanidine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Tizanidine is in the FDA pregnancy C. This means that it is not known whether tizanidine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether tizanidine passes into breast milk. Do not take tizanidine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take tizanidine?
- Take 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.
- Tizanidine is usually taken several times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Do not take more than three doses of tizanidine--or more than 36 mg--in 24 hours. Too much of this medication can damage your liver.
- Store tizanidine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a 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.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a tizanidine overdose are not well known but include unconsciousness and irregular breathing.
What should I avoid while taking tizanidine?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. 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 tizanidine. Do not take any other medicine during treatment with tizanidine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.