Zanaflex General Information

Zanaflex is a medicine that is used as a muscle relaxant. The effect of Zanaflex is only for a short period of time. Care should be taken that the treatment is reserved for those activities which require relief from spasticity of the muscles.

Zanaflex Uses

You can use Zanaflex for the treatment of tightening and cramping of the muscles and spasms, which can be caused by medical problems such as back pain or multiple sclerosis.
Zanaflex blocks the nerve impulses (pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.

How Take Zanaflex

You must take Zanaflex capsules or tablets as prescribed by the physician. Recommended dosage should not exceed 36 mg. To reduce the muscle pain in patients with spasticity, a single dose of 8 mg of Zanaflex will work for a period of several hours. The dose can be repeated at 6 to 8 hour intervals, the maximum of three doses in 24 hours can be given.
You must dispense Zanaflex in container which have the closure that is child resistant. The medicine must be kept away from the reach of children.

Zanaflex Warnings

Before you start using Zanaflex you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to tizanidine or if you have any of the following problems:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease,
• Blood pressure (high or low)

You should also not take Zanaflex if you are taking anti-depressant.
You must not use Zanaflex during pregnancy, as it may cause harm to fetus (unborn baby).

Zanaflex Missed Dose

If you switch between Zanaflex tablets and capsules, or if you change the way you take it, it can cause an increase in side effects or it may not have the therapeutic effect as it should have been giving.
You should follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Zanaflex Side Effects

The common side effects of Zanaflex are:

• Dizziness or drowsiness,
• Feeling nervous or anxious,
• Tingling or numbness,
• Diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, vomiting,
• Fever,
• Dry mouth,
• Back pain, muscle weakness,
• Spasms or increased muscle tone or,
• Skin rash or sweating.

In case you have any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor at the earliest.
Fainting, feeling light-headed, slow heart rate,
Hallucinations, unusual behavior, confusion
Jaundice, stomach pain, nausea, low appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or
Pain or burning while urinating.
You should get emergency medical help if any of these symptoms occur.

Zanaflex Storage Advice

Zanaflex should be stored at room temperature (20 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and moisture.

Zanaflex Overdose

You should seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include confusion, drowsiness, slow heart rate, feeling light-headed, shallow breathing, fainting or coma.

Zanaflex More Information

You should take Zanaflex exactly the way your doctor has prescribed it. The medicine should not be taken in larger amounts or for a longer duration than recommended by the doctor. You must always follow directions as given on the prescription label.