Tizanidine is a medicine used to treat muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease where nerves don’t function properly), a stroke, a brain injury, or a spinal injury.
Tizanidine is in a class of drugs called skeletal muscle relaxants. It works by slowing the central nervous system to allow muscles to relax.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 1996.
uses
What is Tizanidine (Zanaflex) used for?
- Muscle Spasm
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
You should not use tizanidine if you are allergic to it, or if:
- you also take the antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox); or
- you also take the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease; or
- low blood pressure.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
User Reviews & Rating
Overall rating for Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- weak or shallow breathing;
- 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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Tizanidine (Zanaflex) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
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.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
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.
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.
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 medical tests.
If you stop using tizanidine suddenly after long-term use, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, fast heartbeats, tremors, and anxiety. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
Overdose symptoms may include weakness, drowsiness, confusion, slow heart rate, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What to Expect
Tizanidine usually starts to work within one to two hours and wears off after about six to eight hours.
This medicine can make you feel sleepy, dizzy, or weak. Be sure to take it at a time when you don’t have to be alert. Let your doctor know if you experience any unusual side effects while using tizanidine.
If you’ve taken tizanidine for awhile, don’t stop using it suddenly without first talking to your doctor.
Additional Dosage Information
Your dosage will be based on your medical condition and how you respond to treatment.
You can take tizanidine every six to eight hours, but you shouldn’t take more than three doses in 24 hours (36 milligrams a day).
Secondary Uses
Tizanidine is sometimes prescribed “off-label” to treat the following:
- Migraine headaches
- Insomnia
- Analgesic withdrawal
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