Tizanidine tablets
What do tizanidine tablets do?
TIZANIDINE (Zanaflex(R)) is a drug used to relax certain muscles. It can help to relieve, but not cure muscle spasms (or muscle tightening) caused by medical problems such as multiple sclerosis or injuries to the brain or spine.
What should my health care professional know before I take tizanidine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• heart or blood vessel disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• mental disorder
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tizanidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take tizanidine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before stopping your medicine; gradual dosage reduction may be needed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Older patients (age > 65 years) may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and may need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with tizanidine?
• acetaminophen
• alcohol
• antihistamine medicines for colds, hay fever, or allergies
• baclofen
• benzodiazepine or sedative medicines for treating anxiety or to induce sleep
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• birth control pills
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental depression or other mental disorders
• medicines for pain such codeine, morphine, hydrocodone and others
• phenytoin or fosphenytoin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking tizanidine?
Taking too high of a dose of tizanidine can cause side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional before you reduce your dose, or stop taking tizanidine.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• confusion
• dizziness or fainting spells
• excitability, nervousness
• low blood pressure
• nausea or vomiting
• slow or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
• stomach pain
• unusual or persistent rash
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• blurred vision
• constipation
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• tiredness or weakness