What is Zanaflex used for?
TIZANIDINE helps to relieve muscle spasms. It may be used to help in the treatment of the multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Zanaflex?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- low blood pressure
- mental disorder
- an unusual or allergic reaction to tizanidine, other medicines, lactose (tablets only), foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Zanaflex should be taken?
This medicine should be taken orally accompanied with a full glass of water. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes prior to or 2 hours after a meal. Do not take it with the food unless your doctor advised you to do so. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. You shouldn’t stop the treatment course unless your physician specifically advised you to do so. Sudden stop of the usage of this medicine can be very dangerous.
Consult with your pediatrician regarding the possibility of use of this medicine by children.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to the medicine and therefore need a smaller dosage.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Zanaflex?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Zanaflex with the other medicine/food/etc?
This medicine should never be taken with any of the following drugs:
- ciprofloxacin
- clonidine
- fluvoxamine
- guanabenz
- guanfacine
- methyldopa
It may also trigger possible interactions with the following:
- acyclovir
- alcohol
- antihistamines
- baclofen
- barbiturates like phenobarbital
- benzodiazepines
- cimetidine
- famotidine
- female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
- medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines for irregular heartbeat
- medicines for pain like codeine, morphine, and hydrocodone
- medicines for sleep
- rofecoxib
- some antibiotics like levofloxacin, ofloxacin
- ticlopidine
- zileuton
This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking Zanaflex?
You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol may cause interference with this medicine’s effect. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.
Your might experience dry mouth symptom. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking a sugar candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Does Zanaflex have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
- blurred vision
- fainting spells
- hallucinations
- nausea or vomiting
- nervousness
- redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
- slow or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pains
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- tiredness or weakness
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I keep Zanaflex?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.