Brand Name: Zanaflex (Tizanidine (C))

Why is Tizanidine prescribed?

Tizanidine a muscle relaxant, is used to help relax certain muscles in your body. It relieves the spasms and increased muscle tone caused by medical problems such as multiple sclerosis or spinal injury.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Tizanidine be used?

Tizanidine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Tizanidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Tizanidine

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Tizanidine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including other medications that cause drowsiness, medications for high blood pressure, oral contraceptives, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Tizanidine call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Tizanidine, with it's key ingredient Tizanidine.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless otherwise instructed to by your physician, maintain normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you take several doses per day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose when it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Tizanidine cause?

Side effects from Tizanidine can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, and feet
• dry mouth
• increased muscle spasms

• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unexplained flu-like symptoms

How should I store Tizanidine?

Keep Tizanidine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose:

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911