Table of Contents
What is Zanaflex ?
Zanaflex is a short-acting muscle relaxer that functions by inhibiting nerve impulses (pain sensations) transmitted to the brain.
Zanaflex is prescribed for the treatment of spasticity linked to conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries, inducing temporary relaxation of muscle tone.
Zanaflex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Zanaflex is a short-acting medication intended for use only in daily activities requiring relief from muscle spasticity.
Avoid taking tizanidine if you are concurrently using fluvoxamine (Luvox) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro).
Do not use Zanaflex when muscle tone is crucial for safe balance and movement during specific activities, as reduced muscle tone may pose a risk to physical safety.
Switching between Zanaflex tablets and capsules, or altering the administration with respect to meals, may lead to increased side effects or reduced therapeutic efficacy. Adhere to your doctor’s instructions meticulously. After any changes in Zanaflex administration, contact your doctor if you observe alterations in its effectiveness or experience heightened side effects.
Limit tizanidine intake to a maximum of three doses (36 mg) within a 24-hour period to prevent potential liver damage. Combining tizanidine with cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, sleeping pills, other muscle relaxers, or medications for seizures, depression, or anxiety may intensify drowsiness. Inform your doctor if you need to use any of these medicines concurrently with Zanaflex.
Refrain from alcohol consumption, as it may exacerbate some of tizanidine’s side effects.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use Zanaflex if you are allergic to tizanidine or if:
- You are taking the antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox) or the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro).
To ensure Zanaflex’s safety, inform your doctor if you have a history of:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Low blood pressure
- High blood pressure
The impact of Zanaflex on an unborn baby is unknown; hence, notify your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Consult your doctor regarding the safety of breastfeeding while using tizanidine.
How should I take Zanaflex?
Take Zanaflex precisely as prescribed, following all directions on your prescription label. Dosage adjustments may be made by your doctor to optimize results. Avoid using this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for a longer duration than recommended.
Zanaflex is usually taken up to three times a day, with a 6 to 8-hour interval between doses. Do not exceed three doses (36 mg) within a 24-hour period, as excessive intake can harm the liver.
Zanaflex can be taken with or without food, but consistency in administration is crucial. Fluctuating between taking tizanidine with and without food may diminish efficacy or heighten side effects.
Changes in Zanaflex administration, such as switching between tablets and capsules, may result in altered side effects or efficacy. If you observe any changes in side effects or effectiveness, inform your doctor.
Zanaflex’s short-acting nature makes its effects most noticeable between 1 and 3 hours post-administration. Reserve its use for daily activities requiring relief from muscle spasms.
Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor liver function while using Zanaflex.
If discontinuing Zanaflex after prolonged use, do so gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heartbeats, tremors, and anxiety. Seek guidance from your doctor on the safe cessation of this medication.
Store Zanaflex at room temperature, shielding it from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose if your next dose is approaching. Do not double up on doses.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdose symptoms may include weakness, drowsiness, confusion, slow heart rate, shallow breathing, lightheadedness, or fainting.
What to avoid
Refrain from using Zanaflex when muscle tone is essential for safe balance and movement during specific activities, as reduced muscle tone may pose a risk.
Combining alcohol with Zanaflex can intensify side effects.
Exercise caution when driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you know how Zanaflex affects you. Your reactions may be impaired. Avoid abrupt movements from a sitting or lying position to prevent dizziness.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Muscle Spasm:
- Initial dose: 2 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours as needed
- Your doctor may adjust the dose if necessary
- Medication effects peak in about 1 to 2 hours and last for 3 to 6 hours
- Do not exceed 16 mg of Zanaflex at a time or 36 mg within 24 hours
Comments:
- Capsules and tablets are absorbed differently by the body; do not switch between them without consulting your doctor.
- Take Zanaflex consistently with or without food; do not alternate.
What other drugs will affect Zanaflex?
Combining Zanaflex with other sedative drugs or those that depress breathing can lead to severe side effects or fatal outcomes. Consult your doctor before using opioid medication, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or drugs for anxiety or seizures concurrently.
Inform your doctor about all medications, especially:
- Acyclovir
- Ticlopidine
- Zileuton
- Birth control pills
- Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, etc.
- Blood pressure medications such as clonidine, guanfacine, methyldopa
- Heart rhythm medications including amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone, verapamil
- Stomach acid medications like cimetidine, famotidine
This list is not exhaustive, and other drugs may interact with tizanidine. Not all potential interactions are listed in this medication guide.
