- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Tizanidine
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zanaflex
Uses: This medication is used to treat muscle spasms caused by certain conditions (such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury). It works by helping to relax the muscles.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zanaflex
GENERIC NAME(S): TIZANIDINE HCL
Uses
This medication is used to treat muscle spasms caused by certain conditions (such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury). It works by helping to relax the muscles.
How to use tizanidine
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 to 8 hours.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not take more than 36 milligrams a day or more than 3 doses in a 24-hour period.
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. Be sure to discuss with your doctor 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 doctor prescribes a different form of tizanidine (such as tablet or capsule).
This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, tremor, increased blood pressure/heart rate/muscle tenseness) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, constipation, weakness, and tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations), slow/irregular heartbeat, vision changes (such as blurred vision).
Tizanidine has infrequently caused very serious (rarely fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including: persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
TIZANIDINE Side Effects List by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with tizanidine:
Common side effects of tizanidine:
· Fever Severe
· Hepatitis caused by Drugs Severe
· Nervous Severe
· Numbness and Tingling Severe
· Skin Ulcer Severe
· Urinary Tract Infection Severe
· Anxious Less Severe
· Backache Less Severe
· Blood Pressure Drop Upon Standing Less Severe
· Depression Less Severe
· Diarrhea Less Severe
· Difficulty Speaking Less Severe
· Dizzy Less Severe
· Drowsiness Less Severe
· Dry Mouth Less Severe
· Excessive Sweating Less Severe
· Feeling Weak Less Severe
· Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
· Indigestion Less Severe
· Inflammation of the Nose Less Severe
· Muscle Weakness Less Severe
· Rash Less Severe
· Stomach Cramps Less Severe
· Throat Irritation Less Severe
· Throwing Up Less Severe
· Voluntary Movement Difficulty Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of tizanidine:
· Abnormal Heart Rhythm Severe
· Acute Infection of the Nose, Throat or Sinus Severe
· Anemia Severe
· Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines Severe
· Blood Disorder Severe
· Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
· Delusions Severe
· Feeling Faint Severe
· Hallucination Severe
· Increase of White Blood Cells Severe
· Infection due to the Candida Fungus Severe
· Kidney Stone Severe
· Mental Impairment Severe
· Pain in the Eye Severe
· Problems with Eyesight Severe
· Seizures Severe
· Underactive Thyroid Severe
· Vision Changes caused by Medications Severe
· Visual Field Defect Severe
· Abscess Less Severe
· Arthritis Less Severe
· Difficulty Swallowing Less Severe
· Dry Skin Less Severe
· Feeling Restless Less Severe
· Hair Loss Less Severe
· Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
· Loss of One's Own Sense of Reality or Identity Less Severe
· Migraine Headache Less Severe
· Mood Changes Less Severe
· Neck Pain Less Severe
· Visible Water Retention Less Severe
· Weight Loss Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking tizanidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and drowsiness. These effects can increase the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain drugs to treat high blood pressure (alpha agonists such as clonidine, methyldopa).
Other medications can affect the removal of tizanidine from your body, which may affect how tizanidine works. Examples include birth control pills, ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, among others.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness/drowsiness, confusion, slow/shallow breathing, fainting.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, liver function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised March 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.