Zanaflex

Common Name: tizanidine

How does Zanaflex work?

Tizanidine belongs to a group of medicines called muscle relaxants. When muscles in your body spasm, cramp, or become tight due to medical problems such as multiple sclerosis or spine injury, the condition is known as spasticity. Muscle relaxants like tizanidine and baclofen are used to treat this condition. They work by blocking excess firing of the nerve cells that control muscle movement. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor. The benefits of tizanidine are related to its effects on the nervous system. The beneficial effects of tizanidine are noticeable within about one hour of taking the first dose.

How should I use Zanaflex?

The recommended initial adult dose of tizanidine is 4 mg up to three times daily. The dose is then increased gradually in 2 mg to 4 mg steps until a dose of 8 mg up to three times a day (every 6 to 8 hours) is reached. No more than 36 mg of tizanidine should be taken within a 24-hour period. The use and dose of tizanidine for children must be determined by the doctor. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without talking to your doctor. Always take tinazidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Tizanidine can be taken with or without meals. If you miss a dose of this medicine and you remember within an hour or so of the missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly, as unwanted effects may occur. Talk to your doctor to find a safe way to stop taking the medication. Tizanidine should be stored away from heat and direct light and kept out of the reach of children.

What form(s) does Zanaflex come in?

Tizanidine is supplied as 4 mg white tablets. Nonmedicinal ingredients in the tablets include silicon dioxide colloidal, stearic acid, cellulose, and lactose. This product does not contain starch, yeast, or gluten.

What should I NOT take with Zanaflex?

Tinazidine should not be taken by people who are allergic to the product or any of its components.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Zanaflex?

Medical conditions: Tizanidine should not be taken by anyone with reduced liver function unless the expected benefits outweigh the risks. Tizanidine should not be taken by anyone with a history of low blood pressure or blood pressure that drops quickly when moving from lying or sitting to standing position unless the expected benefits outweigh the risks. Pregnancy: Tizanidine has not been studied with pregnant women. In some animal studies, tizanidine caused birth defects and other pregnancy problems. Tizanidine should not be used by pregnant women unless when the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks of using the drug. Breast-feeding: Tizanidine likely passes into breast milk. Although tizanidine has not been reported to have harmful effects on nursing babies, it should not be used while breast-feeding unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks of using the drug. Children: Tizanidine has not been studied in children under 18 years of age. Seniors: Tizanidine is cleared from the body at a slower rate in older adults. The doctor will take this into consideration when determining the dose you should be taking.