Tizanidine MedFacts

Tizanidine

Tizanidine is used for:

Treating muscle spasms. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Tizanidine is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerves that stimulate muscles to contract.

Do NOT use Tizanidine if:

• you are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in Tizanidine
• you are taking ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine

Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if any of the above applies to you.

Consider before using Tizanidine

Medical Conditions

There are medical conditions that can influence usage of Tizanidine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• if you are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are allergic to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or kidney problems or prostate problems

Drugs Interaction

There are medicines that may interact with Tizanidine . Inform your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, in particular any from the list below:

• Acyclovir, antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone), cimetidine, famotidine, fluvoxamine, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), ticlopidine, verapamil, or zileuton because they may increase the risk of Tizanidine 's side effects

This is not a full list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if this medicine may interact with other medicines that you take. Also, consult your health care provider in advance if you are going to start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Tizanidine Usage Guidelines

You should use Tizanidine as recommended by your doctor. Read the medicine's label for precise dosing instructions.

• Take Tizanidine by mouth.
• Food can change the way your body absorbs and uses Tizanidine . Be sure to discuss this with your doctor to determine the best way to take your dose, especially when changes to your dose are being considered, or if you are being prescribed a different dose form of Tizanidine (eg, tablets or capsules).
• Do not stop taking Tizanidine suddenly. If Tizanidine is stopped, the dose should be reduced slowly to prevent symptoms of withdrawal, including high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, tremor, anxiety, and muscle tension.
• If you miss a dose of Tizanidine , take it as soon as you get it remembered. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Clarify with your health care provider any issues you may have about usage of Tizanidine .

Important safety information on tizanidine

• Tizanidine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. There effects may be worsened when this medicine is taken with aclohol or other medicines. Use Tizanidine with caution. Refrain from driving or performing other possibly dangerous activities until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Tizanidine ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Tizanidine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Tizanidine before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Lab tests, such as liver tests, may be performed while you use Tizanidine . These tests can be used to monitor your medical condition or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Tizanidine with caution in OLDER PATIENTS, because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Tizanidine should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Tizanidine can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Tizanidine while you are pregnant. It is not known if Tizanidine is found in breast milk. If you are breast-feeding or going to breast-feed, discuss with your doctor any possible risks to your baby.

Side effects may be caused by Tizanidine

Any medicine may cause side effects, but the majority of people have either slight side effects, or dont have it at all. Consult your doctor if any of the most COMMON side effects from the list below persist or start bothering you:

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; flushing; tiredness; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in emotions, mood, or behavior; hallucinations; increased muscle spasms; muscle weakness; slow heartbeat; trouble urinating or lack of bladder control; urinary tract infection; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; loss of consciousness; severe drowsiness; trouble breathing.

Tizanidine storage instructions:

Store Tizanidine at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Tizanidine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Tizanidine , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Tizanidine is supposed to be used only by the patient it is prescribed to. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or even become worse, inform your doctor.

This article is a summary only, and it does not provide all the information about Tizanidine . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.