Drug Name

Zanaflex (Tizanidine-Oral (tize-AN-ih-deen))

Drug Uses

Zanaflex is used to help relax certain muscles in the body. It is a muscle relaxant that helps in relieving the spasms and decreases the muscle tone caused by medical problems like a spinal injury or multiple sclerosis.  Though this is the general and basic use of the drug, it can be used for several other reasons. Check with your medical professional about the various uses of Zanaflex and how it can be useful for you.

How to use

Zanaflex comes as a tablet to take it orally. It usually is taken two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Zanaflex exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Zanaflex has to be taken orally in tablet form. The usual dosage is about two or three times a day. Make sure that you read the directions on the prescription label.  If you do not understand any part of the prescription, make sure that you get clarity from your doctor or health care professional about the same. Follow the dosage requirements and patterns. Overdosing of any medicine can have some bad side effects.
Drug Class and Mechanism

Zanaflex, medical name Tizanidine is a medicine that reduces spasticity by increasing the presynaptic inhibition of the motor neurons in the body. It is an agonist at (alpha) 2 – adrenergic receptor site. Tizanidine has no direct effect on the skeletal muscle fibers or the neuromuscular junction. It also does not have any major effect on the monosynaptic spinal reflexes. Tizanidine greatly affects the polysnaptic pathways. Zanaflex is known for reducing the facilitation of the spinal motor neurons. 

The chemical structure of imidazoline of tizanidine has a relation to that of drugs like clonidine and other alpha 2 adenergic agonists, which are anti hypertensive drugs. Recent animal pharmacological studies have come up with similarities between the two compounds. Tizanidine has a must less potency of clondine in lowering blood pressure (1/10 to 1/50).

Missed Dose

If you have missed a dose and you are too near your next scheduled dose, do not take the missed dose and continue taking your doses at the given time.  Do not take double doses. If you have missed a dose, take it, but then

Storage

Make sure to keep the medication in the container that it comes in. keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store the medicine at room temperature and away from any excess heat or moisture. If you have any medication that is out dated, or something that you no longer need, dispose of it in the right manner. Consult with your physician about the right manner to dispose of outdated medicine.
 

Warnings/Precautions

This medicine is not recommended for people who have any disease related to the liver or the kidney. Also, people who are on blood pressure medication, or have low blood pressure or high blood pressure should refrain from taking these medicines. You should also refrain from taking this medicine if you are on birth control pills. Zanaflex is in the FDA pregnancy C. therefore, it is not decided whether Zanaflex can be harmful to an unborn child or not. However, do not take the medicine unless and until you have had a talk with your doctor or medical professional, in case of pregnancy. Also, it cannot be concluded whether Zanaflex passes into the breast milk or not.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects from Zanaflex can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, and feet, dry mouth, increased muscle spasms. If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: yellowing of the skin or eyes, unexplained flu-like symptoms.

More Information

 

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking tizanidine and seek emergency medical attention:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • hallucinations or abnormal behavior; or
  • liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take tizanidine and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • drowsiness or dizziness;
  • weakness;
  • dry mouth;
  • increased muscle tone or spasms; or
  • sweating.
• 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.