| Generic Name: | tizanidine |
| Pronounced: | tye ZA ni dine |
| Brand Name: | Zanaflex |
What is the most important information I should know about tizanidine? |
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 | 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. |
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| 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. |
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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 |
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have liver disease,
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have kidney disease,
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have low blood pressure or are on medication to treat high
blood pressure; or
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are taking birth control pills.
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
|
What are the possible side effects of tizanidine? |
|
| If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking tizanidine and seek
emergency medical attention: |
|
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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hallucinations or abnormal behavior; or
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liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea,
abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).
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| Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take tizanidine and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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drowsiness or dizziness;
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weakness;
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dry mouth;
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increased muscle tone or spasms; or
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sweating.
|
| Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
|
What other drugs will affect tizanidine? |
| Tizanidine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not
take any medicine unless your doctor approves. |
| Birth control pills can increase the effects of tizanidine. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth
control pills before starting treatment with tizanidine. |
| Tizanidine may lower blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking another medicine to
lower blood pressure or a medicine to treat another heart condition. |
| Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tizanidine. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. |
Where can I get more information? |
| Your pharmacist has additional information about tizanidine written for health professionals that
you may read. |
What does my medication look like? |
| Tizanidine is available with a prescription under the brand name Zanaflex. Other brand or
generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is new to you. |
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Zanaflex 4 mg--white, round tablets
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| Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. |
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