Zanaflex (Tizanidine)

Do’s

• Take Zanaflex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. 
• The recommended starting dose is 2 mg. Because the effect of Zanaflex peaks at approximately 1 to 2 hours post-dose and dissipates between 3 to 6 hours post-dose, treatment can be repeated at 6 to 8-hour intervals, as needed, to a maximum of three doses in 24 hours. Dosage can be gradually increased by 2 mg to 4 mg at each dose, with 1 to 4 days between dosage increases, until a satisfactory reduction of muscle tone is achieved.
• Your body will absorb this medication differently depending on whether you take it as a tablet or capsule, whether you take it with food or on an empty stomach, or if you sprinkle the contents of the capsule on food. Discuss with your healthcare provider how to take this medication to determine the best way to take your dose, especially when changes to your dose are being considered or if your healthcare provider prescribes a different form of Zanaflex (such as a tablet or capsule).
• If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms. To help prevent withdrawal, your healthcare provider may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used Zanaflex for a long time or in high doses. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience withdrawal symptoms.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Don’ts

• Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Common Side Effects: 

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Dry mouth
• Feeling nervous
• Blurred vision
• Flu-like symptoms
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Urination problems
• Painful urination
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Uncontrolled muscle movements 

Serious Side Effects:

• Light-headed feeling
• Weak or shallow breathing
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Pain or burning when you urinate

Call your healthcare provider at once if you experience serious side effects.

Allergic Reaction: 

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zanaflex, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If you experience any side effects while taking Zanaflex, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. 

Zanaflex should be used with caution in patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 25 mL/min) and any hepatic impairment. In these patients, during titration, the individual doses should be reduced. If higher doses are required, individual doses rather than dosing frequency should be increased.

Food has complex effects on tizanidine pharmacokinetics, which differ with the different formulations. Once the formulation has been selected and the decision to take with or without food has been made, this regimen should not be altered.

Zanaflex may interact with other drugs, and concomitant use with certain medications should be avoided. Discuss potential drug interactions with your healthcare provider.

If you are pregnant, nursing, or considering administering Zanaflex to children or the elderly, consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

This is not a complete list of warnings and precautions. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.