Zanaflex

ZANAFLEX DRUG INFORMATION

TIZANIDINE - ORAL (tize-AN-ih-deen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zanaflex

USES:

This medication is used in the treatment of muscle spasms.

HOW TO USE:

Only take this medication as directed by a physician. The dosage may have to be adjusted by your doctor initially to achieve satisfactory results. Always follow instruction exactly. Never increase your dose or take it more often then prescribed by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Side effect are rare with this medication, however they do occur. While these side effects may not need medical attention contact your doctor if they persist or become bothersome. These side effects include: Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, unusual weakness or dry mouth might occur. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately, they include: yellowing skin or eyes, stomach pain, vomiting, hallucinations. If you experience these very rare symptoms notify your doctor immediately, these include: vision or hearing changes, urinary frequency or burning, slow or irregular heartbeat, black stool. In the very rare event that you have an allergic reaction to this medication, seek emergency medical attention. Those symptoms include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

PRECAUTIONS:

Before taking this medication always inform you doctor if you have: any allergies, low blood pressure, liver or heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease. Alcoholic beverages may increase the dizziness or drowsiness effects of this drug. Always limit alcohol intake while taking this medication. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery. When arising quickly from a sitting or lying position, this drug may cause dizziness or lightheadedness; change positions slowly. Women who are pregnant need to discuss all of the risks and the benefits of this medication before taking it, and only when expressly needed. Women who are nursing should consult their doctor before breast-feeding because it is not know if this medication is excreted into breast milk. Elderly patients use caution when taking this medication because this group can be more sensitive to the effects.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

It is always important to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking either prescription or non-prescription, especially if you are taking: 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. It is essential to consult your doctor before starting any of these medications. Never start or stop any medicine without first seeking the approval of your doctor.

OVERDOSE:

Contact your local emergency room or poison control center if an overdose is suspected Symptoms of overdose may include trouble breathing and loss of consciousness.

NOTES:

Never share prescription medication with others. Your physician may do test to check you liver.

MISSED DOSE:

In the event that you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember before it is close to time to take your next dose, then simply skip it and resume taking as scheduled. It is important never to “double-up” on this medication.

STORAGE:

It is important to store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. As always keep all medication out of the reach of children. Always dispose of expired medications.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This information is not intended to replace the knowledge and skills of a qualified healthcare provider. While the following can be a valuable resource, this drug may not be safe or effective for everyone. You should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking any prescription medication.