Question 1

What is Tizanidine (Zanaflex) used for?

Accepted Answer

Muscle Spasm

Question 2

What is the most important information I should know about Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?

Accepted Answer

You should not use tizanidine if you are allergic to it, or if you:

take the antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox); or
take the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

low blood pressure; or
liver or kidney disease.

Tizanidine may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.

Question 3

Can I take Tizanidine (Zanaflex) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Tizanidine may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Question 4

How to take Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?

Accepted Answer

Use Tizanidine (Zanaflex) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the medicine your doctor prescribes. Tizanidine is usually taken up to 3 times in one day. Allow 6 to 8 hours to pass between doses. Do not take more than three doses (36 mg) in a 24-hour period. Too much of this medicine can damage your liver. You may take tizanidine with or without food, but take it the same way each time. Switching between taking tizanidine with food and taking it without food can make the medicine less effective or cause increased side effects. Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Switching between tizanidine tablets and capsules may cause changes in side effects or how well the medicine works.

Taking the tablets with food can increase your blood levels of tizanidine.
Taking the capsules with food can decrease your blood levels of tizanidine.

If you make any changes in how you take tizanidine, tell your doctor if you notice any change in side effects or in how well the medicine works. Tizanidine is a short-acting medication, and its effects will be most noticeable between 1 and 3 hours after you take it. You should take tizanidine only for daily activities that require relief from muscle spasms. You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function. You should not stop using tizanidine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Question 5

What happens if I overdose on Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?

Accepted Answer

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed Tizanidine (Zanaflex) call your doctor or the Poison Control center '800-222-1222','(800) 222-1222','Poison Control' If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Diclofenac (Voltaren), call 911

Question 6

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?

Accepted Answer

Do not use tizanidine at a time when you need muscle tone for safe balance and movement during certain activities. In some situations, it may be dangerous for you to have reduced muscle tone. Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Question 7

What are the side effects of Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?

Accepted Answer

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). Call your doctor at once if you have:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
weak or shallow breathing;
liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
confusion, hallucinations; or
pain or burning when you urinate.

Common side effects may include:

drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
feeling nervous;
blurred vision;
flu-like symptoms;
dry mouth, trouble speaking;
abnormal liver function tests;
runny nose, sore throat;
urination problems, painful urination;
vomiting, constipation; or
uncontrolled muscle movements.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.