Zanaflex is a muscle relaxant. It relieves spasms and treats inflated muscle tone caused by medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal injury. In some cases, this medication is prescribed for other uses. For more detailed information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Zanaflex is administered orally in the form of tablets. The recommended dose is two or three times a day. Follow strictly prescription instructions and ask your doctor for clarification on any part of the label that you might not understand. Take Zanaflex exactly as directed. Do not take this medication in quantities larger or over a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.
Warnings Precautions
If you suffer from liver or kidney disease, low blood pressure or you are on medication to treat high blood pressure; or you are taking birth control pills, consult your doctor before beginning treatment with Zanaflex. Lower dosage or special monitoring during treatment might be required if you have any of the above-listed conditions and in some case the use of Zanaflex might not be recommended at all. Zanaflex is in the C FDA pregnancy meaning that it has a harmful effect on the fetus. It is not known whether Zanaflex is passed onto breast milk. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take Zanaflex without consulting your doctor first.
Missing a Dose
If your treatment with Zanaflex is based on several doses per day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and follow up with the remaining doses for that day at regular intervals. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Never take two doses of Zanaflex at the same time in order to catch up for a missed dose.
Possible Side Effects
Few cases of side effects of Zanaflex have been reported. Most commonly, these include dizziness, an upset stomach, vomiting, tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, and feet, dry mouth, increased muscle spasms. If you detected any of the above symptoms and they persist or intensify, contact your doctor for advice. If you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, unexplained flu-like symptoms, notify your doctor at once.
Storage
Dispense in a tight container. Store Zanaflex at room temperature. Do not expose to excess heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Dispose of Zanaflex after its expiration date or when it is no longer used. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about proper ways to dispose of this medication.
Overdose
The symptoms of a Zanaflex overdose have not been studied sufficiently. Unconsciousness and irregular breathing are among the possible signs of a Zanaflex overdose. In case of a suspected overdose, seek medical help immediately.
More Information
Zanaflex may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Exercise caution while driving or operating machinery and refrain from engaging in potentially hazardous activities. Dizziness normally occurs when you rise from a resting position abruptly. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and avoid accidents. Consume alcohol in moderation. Other muscle relaxants, sleep, pain or anxiety medicines may enhance the effect of Zanaflex. Do not combine Zanaflex with any other medications without consulting your doctor or pharmacist first.
Zanaflex resources:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/tizanidine.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/tizanidine-oral/article.htm
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Meds-Tizanidine_md.asp
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