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Home > Drug Category > Muscle Relaxant Medication > Zanaflex and Equivalent

Zanaflex Information

Zanaflex (Tizanidine) is used to treat muscle spasticity. Muscle spasticity is a condition where the body muscles spasm, cramp, or become tight due to prolonged muscle contraction. This condition often results from medical problems like multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or spine injury. Spasticity interferes with movement and can even affect your gait and speech. Symptoms of this condition include continuous muscle stiffness, spasms, and involuntary muscle contractions, which can be painful. Muscle relaxants like Tizanidine work by blocking nerve impulses (pain signals) sent to your brain thereby relaxing the affected muscles.

Zanaflex Side Effects

The most common side effects of Zanaflex may include drowsiness; dry mouth; nervousness; constipation; runny nose; Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Blurred vision;
• Hallucinations;
• Lightheaded feeling as if you might pass out;
• Slow or irregular heartbeat;
• Weak or shallow breathing

Zanaflex Precautions

Do not use Zanaflex if you are allergic to Tizanidine or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have liver disease; have low blood pressure; have high blood pressure; have kidney disease; have urination problems; are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Zanaflex and other medicines like acyclovir; ticlopidine; ciprofloxacin; clonidine; amiodarone; cimetidine. Do not use Zanaflex if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is not known if this medication will harm your unborn baby. Do not use Zanaflex while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is not known if Tizanidine passes into your breast milk. Do not give this drug to children without talking to your doctor. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop or change the dose of this medicine without talking to your doctor. Take Zanaflex by mouth. Allow 6 to 8 hours to pass between doses. Too much of this medicine can damage your liver. Do not take more than 3 doses within 24 hours. You may take this drug with or without food. Take it the same way each time. Zanaflex is a short-acting muscle relaxant. You should see results within 1 to 3 hours after you take the drug. Take Tizanidine only for daily activities that require relief from muscle spasms. Do not stop using this drug without talking to your doctor. If you stop using this drug suddenly after long-term use, you may have withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to stop using the medicine safely. Avoid driving or any hazardous activity until you know how the drug will affect you. You may feel dizzy if you get up too fast from a sitting or lying position. Get up slowly and steady yourself to reduce the risk of falls. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Store Zanaflex at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Do I need a prescription to order Zanaflex?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Zanaflex.