Zanaflex

The active ingredient in Zanaflex is tizanidine hydrochloride. It is a type of muscle relaxant known as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It works by slowing down the neurons in your spinal column that regulate muscle tone. When the nerves slow down, your muscles relax.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Zanaflex. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zanaflex:

• Zanaflex is often used up to three times a day. Allow 6-8 hours between doses and take no more than 36 mg in a 24-hour period. Too much of this medication can harm your liver.
• Zanaflex can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken the same way every time. Switching between taking tizanidine with and without food can reduce the medicine's effectiveness or raise unwanted effects.
• Switching between Zanaflex capsules and tablets may result in changes in side effects or how well the medication works.
• If you modify how you take tizanidine, let your doctor know if you notice any changes in side effects or how well the medication works.
• Zanaflex is a short-acting medicine, with the most obvious effects occurring between 1 and 3 hours after taking it. This medication should only be used for daily tasks that require relief from muscle spasms.
• You will require regular blood tests to monitor your liver function.
• If your doctor has told you to this medication regularly, take the missed dose of tizanidine as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

The most common side effects of Zanaflex seen in clinical trials include:

• Sleepiness or drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Lightheadedness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weakness.
• Constipation.
• Blurred vision.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zanaflex. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions: difficulty breathing, itchy skin or rash, throat closure, or tongue swelling.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension): dizziness, lightheadedness, and increased risk of falls.
• Liver damage: yellowing of the skin and eyes, stomach pain, swelling, dark urine, loss of appetite.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zanaflex. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zanaflex, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Zanaflex should not be used if you are allergic to tizanidine or are taking certain medications such as fluvoxamine (Luvox) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro).
• If you have ever had liver disease, kidney disease, or low blood pressure, tell your doctor before taking Zanaflex.

-Zanaflex is a short-acting medicine that should only be used to relieve muscle stiffness during daily activities.

• Do not take Zanaflex if you require muscular tone for safe balance and mobility during specific activities. In some cases, having low muscle tone can risk your physical safety.

Switching between Zanaflex capsules and tablets, or changing how you consume medication, can result in an increase in adverse effects or a decrease in therapeutic benefit. Follow your doctor's instructions closely. After making any modifications to how you take Zanaflex, contact your doctor if you notice a difference in how well the medicine works or if you experience more adverse effects.

Take no more than 36 mg of tizanidine in a 24-hour period.

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, sleeping pills, other muscle relaxants, and epilepsy, depression, or anxiety medications can all contribute to tizanidine-induced sleepiness. Tell your doctor if you need to take any of these additional medications together with Zanaflex.

Avoid consuming alcohol. It may exacerbate some of the negative effects of tizanidine.

Contraindications are certain health problems or situations in which a person should avoid taking a drug for safety reasons. If you have any of the below conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional because Zanaflex is not safe for you to consume.

• Taking with drugs that increase the amount of Zanaflex in your bloodstream (strong CYP1A2 inhibitors), such as fluvoxamine (Luvox) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

In general, the effects of Zanaflex begin about 1 to 2 hours after you take your dose. However, this can vary depending on whether you are taking Zanaflex capsules or pills, as well as whether you are eating anything. If you take Zanaflex tablets with food, it can change how well your body absorbs the medication.

When Zanaflex is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Acyclovir.
• Ticlopidine.
• Diazepam.
• Zileuton.
• Birth control pills or oral contraceptives.
• An antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, or others.
• Blood pressure medication such as clonidine, guanfacine, and methyldopa.

Certain heart rhythm medications such as amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone, and verapamil.

Cimetidine and famotidine, which are stomach acid medications.

Adults: The typical starting dose is 2 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours, as needed (up to three doses per day). If necessary, your provider may increase your dose every few days, up to a maximum of 36 mg per day.

If you have liver or kidney problems, your dosage may vary.

Store Zanaflex in a dry place at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Legacy Pharma Inc. is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Zanaflex.

Yes, there are several lower-cost generic versions available of Zanaflex with the active ingredient of tizanidine hydrochloride.

If you abruptly discontinue Zanaflex after long-term use, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, tremors, and anxiety. Ask your doctor how to properly discontinue this medication.

It is unclear whether Zanaflex will harm an unborn fetus. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant.

It is not known what effects Zanaflex may have on your breastfed infant or milk production. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.