Zanaflex (Tizanidine)

        Tizanidine belongs to a class of muscle relaxants. It is applied in the treatment of spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles. Tizanidine is also prescribed off-label for migraine headaches and as an anticonvulsant.

        Take Tizanidine by mouth with a glass of water, with or without food. Avoid cutting, crushing or chewing this medicine. Do not take the medicine more often than it is prescribed. Do not give up taking it except on the advice of your doctor. It may need time for medicine to help. Consult your doctor concerning the proper dose for you.

        Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking while being treated with this medication. Aged people can be more sensitive to the side effects of the medicine. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure; if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

        Tizanidine should not be used by pregnant/nursing women or children as well as by patients having demonstrated a reaction of hypersensitivity to it. It is contraindicated to use tizanidine together with moderate or potent CYP1A2 inhibitors.

        The most common side effects are drowsiness, constipation, headache, dizziness and vomiting, diarrhoea, yellowing of the skin or eyes. A very serious allergic reaction rarely occurs. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side effects. Turn to your doctor or pharmacist for more details. In case you notice the effects not listed here, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

        Before taking Tizanidine to tell your doctor or chemist of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking. Tizanidine should not be used with * antidepressants, esp. fluvoxamine * grapefruit juice * medicines for high blood pressure * medicines for pain (like codeine, morphine, and hydrocodone) * medicines for sleep * some antibiotics (like levofloxacin, ofloxacin). Turn to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

        If you have missed your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you see that it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take your dose twice.

        If you think you have used too much of this medicine seek emergency medical attention right away. The symptoms of overdose usually include chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and feeling light-headed or fainting.

        Store your medicines at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store your drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.