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Zanaflex

Generic Name: Tizanidine [tye-ZAN-i-deen]
Drug Class: Skeletal muscle relaxants

What is Zanaflex?

Zanaflex is a quick-acting relaxation agent for muscles. It does this by blocking the nerve signals (pain sensations) that are transmitted to the brain.

Zanaflex can be used to treat spasticity that is associated with conditions like MS and spinal cord injury by causing a temporary relaxation of muscle tone.Zanaflex could also be used to treat conditions not covered in this medication guide.

Warnings

Zanaflex is a medication that acts quickly and should only be used for everyday activities that need relaxation from spasticity in the muscles.Tizanidine is not recommended when you're also taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

Do not take Zanaflex during a time when you require muscle tone to ensure secure balance and movements in certain situations. In some situations, it could endanger your safety if you have diminished muscles.

The switch between Zanaflex capsules and tablets, or altering the way you use it with respect to food intake, may result in an increase in side effects or a reduction in therapeutic effectiveness. Be sure to follow the doctor's advice closely. If you make any changes to the way you take Zanaflex, consult your physician if you observe any changes in how the medication is working or if you notice an increase in adverse effects.

Do not exceed three dosages (36 milligrammes) of tizanidine over the span of 24 hours. A high dose of tizanidine could harm your liver. The use of allergy or cold medicine such as narcotic pain medication and sleeping pills, as well as other muscle relaxers, as well as medicines for depression, seizures, or anxiety, can contribute to the insomnia caused by tizanidine. Consult your physician if you require any of these medications in conjunction with Zanaflex.Beware of drinking alcohol. It may increase some of the adverse effects of tizanidine.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to take Zanaflex. If you're allergic to tizanidine or

  • You can also take the medication for depression called fluvoxamine (Luvox). You also take the antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox).
  • You can also use the antibiotic. You can also take the antibiotic (Cipro).

To be sure Zanaflex is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you have previously had:

  • Liver disease;
  • Kidney disease kidney disease
  • Low blood pressure;

It is unclear if Zanaflex can harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.

It is not recommended to breastfeed when using tizanidine. Consult your physician about any risks.

How to take Zanaflex?

Use Zanaflex exactly as prescribed. Follow the directions on the label of your prescription. Your doctor may change the dosage to ensure you receive the most effective outcomes. Don't take this medication in smaller or larger amounts or for longer periods than prescribed.Zanaflex can be used up to three times throughout the day. Give 6–8 hours between each dose. Do not take more than three doses (36 mg) in a 24-hour time frame. In excess of this medication, it could cause liver damage.

You can use Zanaflex either with food or without. However, you should take it exactly the same way on every occasion. Switching between taking tizanidine along with food or using it without food may reduce the effectiveness of the medication or trigger more adverse side effects.The switch between Zanaflex capsules and tablets could alter the adverse effects or the way the medication works.

If you change anything regarding how you use Zanaflex, inform your doctor if you notice changes in the reactions or the efficiency of the medicine.Zanaflex is a medication that acts quickly, and the effects of it will be evident between 1 and 3 hours after taking it. It is recommended to take this medication only during daily tasks that require relief from muscle spasms.

You'll require frequent blood tests to monitor the liver's function.

If you stop taking Zanaflex abruptly after long-term usage, there is a chance that you'll experience withdrawal symptoms like rapid heartbeats, dizziness, shaking, and anxiety. Discuss with your physician how you can effectively stop taking this medication.

Keep at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

What happens If I miss a dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take your missed dose if it's close to the time of the next dose. Avoid taking two doses at once. have two doses at once.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

The signs of an overdose could include drowsiness, weakness, anxiety, a low heart rate, slow breathing, feeling lightheaded, or fainting.

What should be avoided?

Use Zanaflex only when you require muscle strength for secure balance and movements during specific activities. In some situations, it can be hazardous for you to suffer from a lack of muscle tone.Consuming alcohol while taking this medication may cause unwanted side effects.

Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand how Zanaflex can affect your body. Your reaction may be affected. Do not get up too fast from a lying or sitting position, as you could be dizzy.

Side effects of Zanaflex

Take immediate medical attention if you exhibit symptoms of an allergic reaction, including hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.

See your doctor right away. If you suffer from:

  • A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're about to pass out.
  • Breathing that is shallow or weak;
  • Confusion, hallucinations
  • Eyelids or the skin.
  • Burning or pain after you need to urinate.

Common Zanaflex side effects can include:

  • Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
  • Dry mouth;
  • Being anxious;
  • Blurred vision
  • Flu-like symptoms;
  • Atypical liver function tests
  • Runny nose, sore throat;
  • Urination issues painless urination
  • Vomiting, constipation,
  • Muscle movements that are not controlled

This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Muscle Spasm:

In the beginning, 2 mg taken orally every 6–8 hours as required
The dose of Zanaflex may be increased by your physician when needed.
The effects of the medication peak around 1–2 hours and last between 3 and 6 hours.
Don't take more than 16 mg of Zanaflex at a time. Don't take more than 36 mg in a span of 24 hours.

Comments:
The tablets and capsules are absorbed differently by your body. Do not change between them without consulting your physician.
Zanaflex should be taken in conjunction with food or with food each time. Don't switch between the two.

Interaction with other drugs

Zanaflex, along with other medications that make you sleepy or cause breathing problems, can result in dangerous negative side effects or even deaths. Ask your doctor prior to taking opioids, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medication for seizures or anxiety.

Inform your doctor about all other medicines you take, particularly:

  • Acyclovir;
  • Ticlopidine;
  • Zileuton;
  • Birth control pill;
  • Is an antibiotic comprising ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, or any other;
  • Blood pressure medication such as clonidine, methyldopa, and guanfacine;
  • Heart rhythm medicine, including amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone, and verapamil;
  • Stomach acid medication such as cimetidine or famotidine.

This list isn't comprehensive. Other medications can be incompatible with tizanidine, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, as well as vitamins and herbal products. There are not all interactions included in this guide to medications.

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