Chemical Name: TIZANIDINE (tye-ZAN-i-deen)
Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Tizanidine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking fluvoxamine or certain medicines for high blood pressure (such as clonidine, guanfacine, guanabenz, or methyldopa). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking rofecoxib, phenytoin, cimetidine, ticlopidine, other medicines for high blood pressure (such as verapamil, captopril, losartan, metoprolol, or prazosin), medicine for irregular heartbeat (such as amiodarone, mexiletine, or propafenone), oral contraceptives (birth control pills), other muscle relaxants (such as baclofen or cyclobenzaprine), benzodiazepines (such as diazepam or lorazepam), or fluoroquinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of any other medical conditions including a history of blood pressure problems, heart problems (such as slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat or prolonged QT interval), kidney problems, liver problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Food can change the way your body absorbs and uses this medicine. 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 (such as a tablet or capsule). STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. 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 once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to avoid side effects. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function, kidney function, and blood pressure may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, weakness, fatigue, or tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, nervousness, increased muscle spasms, slurred speech, trouble speaking, or blurred vision. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience mood or mental changes; hallucinations; stomach pain; yellowing of your skin or eyes; dark urine or pale stools; fast, slow or irregular heartbeat; severe weakness, fatigue, or fainting; or loss of muscle control. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPETED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, trouble breathing (respiratory depression), or loss of consciousness (coma).
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF YOU WILL BE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain refills before your supply runs out.