Zanaflex

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

kidney disease

liver disease

low blood pressure

mental disorder

an unusual or allergic reaction to tizanidine, other medicines, lactose (tablets only), foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food unless you talk with your doctor. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Suddenly stopping the medicine can be very dangerous.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

ciprofloxacin

clonidine

fluvoxamine

guanabenz

guanfacine

methyldopa

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

acyclovir

alcohol

antihistamines

baclofen

barbiturates like phenobarbital

benzodiazepines

cimetidine

famotidine

female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills

medicines for high blood pressure

medicines for irregular heartbeat

medicines for pain like codeine, morphine, and hydrocodone

medicines for sleep

rofecoxib

some antibiotics like levofloxacin, ofloxacin

ticlopidine

zileuton

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

blurred vision

fainting spells

hallucinations

nausea or vomiting

nervousness

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

slow or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain

yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

dizziness

drowsiness

dry mouth

tiredness or weakness

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.