Zanaflex

 Category: Muscle Relaxants

Generic name: Tizanidine

Zanaflex tablets

What is Zanaflex?

Zanaflex, normally dispensed in it’s generic form as Tizanidine, is a skeletal muscle relaxant in widespread use to treat muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. It can also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Who is this for?

Zanaflex is a muscle relaxant helpful to relax certain muscles in your body. In cases such as multiple sclerosis or spinal injury, its action relieves the spasms and increased muscle tone caused by those medical problems. This medication can sometimes prescribed for other uses; for more information ask your doctor or pharmacist.

When should I be careful taking it?

Before taking Zanaflex:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist in case you are allergic to Zanaflex or any other drugs.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including other medications that cause drowsiness, medications for high blood pressure, oral contraceptives, and vitamins.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Zanaflex, call your doctor immediately.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Zanaflex.

You have to know that this drug may make you drowsy. Never drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you and always remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What side effects should I watch for?

Although very infrequent, side effects from Zanaflex can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, and feet
• dry mouth
• increased muscle spasms

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unexplained flu-like symptoms

How should I take it?

Zanaflex comes as a tablet to be orally taken. The usual dosis is two or three times a day. Always follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Zanaflex exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you take several doses per day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose when it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, it is better to skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Where should I keep it?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.