Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TIZANIDINE - ORAL

(tize-AN-ih-deen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zanaflex

Uses

This medication is used to treat muscle spasms.

How To Use

Take as directed. Your dosage will probably need to be adjusted by your doctor initially to achieve satisfactory results. Follow directions exactly. Food can change the way your body absorbs and uses this medication. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor to determine the best way to take your dose, especially when changes to your dose are being considered or if you are being prescribed a different dose form of tizanidine (e.g., tablet or capsule). If you have been taking this medicine for a long period of time, do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to avoid side effects.

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.

Precautions

Before taking this drug, 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. This medication 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 this drug is used in the elderly.

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, rofecoxib. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

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

Notes

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

Missed Dose

If you miss a 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.

Storage

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