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Generic Name: tizanidine (tye ZA ni dine)
Brand Names:
Zanaflex |
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What is the most important information I should know about
tizanidine? |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Tizanidine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience
drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. |
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Dizziness is most likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying
position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible
fall. |
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Use caution with alcohol, other muscle relaxants, sleep or anxiety
medicines, and pain medicines. These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness
while you are taking tizanidine. Do not take any other medicine during treatment
with tizanidine without first talking to your doctor or
pharmacist. |
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Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses
(or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. |
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Tizanidine is used to treat increased muscle tone associated with
spasticity. |
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Tizanidine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
tizanidine? |
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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if
you |
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have low blood pressure or are on medication to treat high blood pressure;
or |
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are taking birth control pills. |
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You may not be able to take tizanidine, or you may require a lower dose or
special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above. |
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Tizanidine is in the FDA pregnancy C. This means that it is not known
whether tizanidine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. |
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It is not known whether tizanidine passes into breast milk. Do not take
tizanidine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby. |
How should I take tizanidine? |
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Take tizanidine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
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Tizanidine is usually taken several times a day. Follow your doctor's
instructions. |
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Do not take more than three doses of tizanidine--or more than 36 mg--in 24
hours. Too much of this medication can damage your
liver. |
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Store tizanidine at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. |
What happens if I miss a dose? |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly
scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this
medication. |
What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical attention. |
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Symptoms of a tizanidine overdose are not well known but include
unconsciousness and irregular breathing. |
What should I avoid while taking tizanidine? |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Tizanidine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience
drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. |
|
- |
Dizziness is most likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying
position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible
fall. |
|
- |
Use caution with alcohol, other muscle relaxants, sleep or anxiety
medicines, and pain medicines. These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness
while you are taking tizanidine. Do not take any other medicine during treatment
with tizanidine without first talking to your doctor or
pharmacist. |
What are the possible side effects of
tizanidine? |
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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
tizanidine and seek emergency medical attention: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); |
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hallucinations or abnormal behavior; or |
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liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual
bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take tizanidine and talk to your doctor if you
experience |
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drowsiness or dizziness; |
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increased muscle tone or spasms; or |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome. |
What other drugs will affect tizanidine? |
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Tizanidine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat
insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your
doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine
unless your doctor approves. |
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Birth control pills can increase the effects of tizanidine. Tell your doctor
if you are taking birth control pills before starting treatment with
tizanidine. |
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Tizanidine may lower blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking
another medicine to lower blood pressure or a medicine to treat another heart
condition. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tizanidine. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Your pharmacist has additional information about tizanidine written for
health professionals that you may
read. | |
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