Drug Name

Zanaflex (Tizanidine)

Drug Use

Zanaflex is a muscle relaxant used to help to relax certain muscles of your body. It eases the spasms and increased muscular tonus caused by medical problems such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. This drug is sometimes given for other purposes; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How To Use

Zanaflex is taken orally as tablets. It is usually taken two to three times a day. Follow the instructions on the label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take Zanaflex according to the directions. Do not take more, less or more often than prescribed.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Tizanidine is an agonist at (alpha) 2 -adrenergic receptor sites and presumably reduces spasticity by increasing presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons. In animal models, tizanidine has no direct effect on skeletal muscle fibers or the neuromuscular junction, and no major effect on monosynaptic spinal reflexes. The effects of tizanidine are greatest on polysynaptic pathways. The overall effect of these actions is thought to reduce facilitation of spinal motor neurons.

The imidazoline chemical structure of tizanidine is related to that of the anti-hypertensive drug clonidine and other (alpha) 2 -adrenergic agonists. Pharmacological studies in animals show similarities between the two compounds, but tizanidine was found to have one-tenth to one-fiftieth (1/50) of the potency of clonidine in lowering blood pressure.

Missed Doses

If you take several doses per day, take the missing dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that at equal time intervals. However, if you remember having missed a dose, when it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missing dose. Do not take a double dose.

Overdose

If you think you have used too much of this medicine seek emergency medical attention right away. The symptoms of overdose usually include chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and feeling light-headed or fainting.

Storage

Store the drug in a tightly closed package, out of reach of children. Store at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any drugs that are outdated or unnecessary. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of drugs.

Precautions

Before taking tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, low blood pressure or you are in medicines to treat high blood pressure or you are taking birth control pills. You shouldn’t take Zanaflex or may need a lower dose and special monitoring during the treatment, if you have any of the above mentioned diseases. It is not known how taking Zanaflex will affect the foetus. Do not take this drug without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Zanaflex is contained in breast milk. Do not take Zanaflex without consulting a doctor, if you are breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Zanaflex may have side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go:

• dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, tingling in hands, feet, hands and feet, dry mouth, increased muscle spasms.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms occur:

• yellow skin or eyes, inexplicable flu symptoms.

More Information

If you experience any of these serious side effects, stop taking tyzanidyn and consult the doctor immediately:

• Allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, airways narrowing; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or rash)
• Hallucinations or abnormal behavior
• Liver involvement (yellow skin and eye whites, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or haematoma, severe fatigue).
• Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.

Continue taking tyzanidyn and tell your doctor if you experience:

• Somnolence or dizziness;
• Weakness;
• Dry mouth;
• Increased muscular tonus or spasm
• Sweating.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects which seem unusual or occur frequently.