Zanaflex
 = Prescription Required
 = Generic Equvalent
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Zanaflex Prescription Drug Information
Tizanidine (By mouth)
Tizanidine (tye-ZAN-i-deen)
Treats muscle spasms. Zanaflex is a muscle relaxer.
Brand Name(s):Zanaflex, Zanaflex Capsule, Comfort Pac w/Tizanidine
There may be other brand names for Zanaflex. When Zanaflex Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Zanaflex if you have had an allergic reaction to tizanidine, or if you are also using fluvoxamine (Luvox®) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro®). How to Use Zanaflex:
Capsule, Tablet
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Your doctor will tell you how much of Zanaflex to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
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You may take Zanaflex with or without food, but you should take it the same way every time. Tizanidine works differently depending on whether you take it on an empty stomach or a full stomach. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about this.
If a dose of Zanaflex is missed:
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If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Zanaflex:
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Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
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Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
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Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Zanaflex:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to lower blood pressure (such as clonidine, atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], lisinopril, metoprolol, quinapril, Accupril®, Catapres®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Toprol®, or Zestril®), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone, verapamil, Cordarone®, Isoptin®, Mexitil®, or Rythmol®) or medicine to treat infection (such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, Cipro®, or Noroxin®).
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using acyclovir (Zovirax®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), famotidine (Pepcid®), fluvoxamine (Luvox®), ticlopidine (Ticlid®), zileuton (Zyflo®), or birth control pills.
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Do not drink alcohol while you are using Zanaflex.
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Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Warnings While Using Zanaflex:
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease.
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Zanaflex may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
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To avoid dizziness from Zanaflex, stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
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Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Zanaflex. Be sure to keep all appointments.
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Do not stop using Zanaflex suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
Possible Side Effects While Using Zanaflex:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
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Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination.
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Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
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Dry mouth, sleepiness, or loss of strength.
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Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
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Hallucinations (seeing things that are not really there).
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Jerky muscle movement you cannot control.
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Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
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Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
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Problems with speech.
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Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
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Unusually fast or slow heartbeat.
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Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Zanaflex, talk with your doctor:
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Anxiety or depression.
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Blurred vision.
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Diarrhea, upset stomach.
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Muscle stiffness, tremor.
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Nervousness.
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Unusual tiredness or weakness.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Zanaflex, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
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