Zanaflex

Zanaflex is a treatment for the management of increased muscle tone associated with spasticity, a condition affecting the central nervous system causing muscle stiffness and rigidity. Spasticity can occur as a result of many Central nervous system disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.

Zanaflex works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to the brain.

Spasticity is an abnormal increase in involuntary muscle tone caused by damage to the central nervous system. It is characterized by painful muscle spasms, muscle stiffness and rigidity.

Advanced spasticity can leave patients bed ridden and unable to move without assistance.

In double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies, Zanaflex was shown to provide significant relief of spasticity symptoms. Zanaflex did this without causing muscle weakness, which can leave patients unable to perform normal daily activities.

Background: Also Known as AN021. Enhances pre and post synaptic inhibition in the spinal cord, and also inhibits transmission of pain signals.

Trade name	Generic	Ingredient	Developers	Indications
Zanaflex	tizanidine hydrocholoride, oral, 2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg capsules	TIZANIDINE	Athena Neurosciences Elan Corporation PLC	Multiple sclerosis (MS) Spasticity (muscle relaxant) spinal cord injury

Important Zanaflex Information

When driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zanaflex may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Dizziness is most likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Use caution with alcohol, other muscle relaxants, sleep or anxiety medicines, and pain medicines. These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zanaflex. Do not take any other medicine during treatment with Zanaflex without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Zanaflex Uses

Zanaflex is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Zanaflex is used to treat increased muscle tone associated with spasticity. Zanaflex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before Using Zanaflex

Before taking Zanaflex, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, have kidney disease, have low blood pressure or are on medication to treat high blood pressure; or are taking birth control pills. You may not be able to take Zanaflex, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Zanaflex is in the FDA pregnancy C. This means that it is not known whether Zanaflex will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Zanaflex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Zanaflex passes into breast milk. Do not take Zanaflex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How to use Zanaflex

Take Zanaflex exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Zanaflex is usually taken several times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not take more than three doses of Zanaflex, or more than 36 mg in 24 hours. Too much of Zanaflex can damage your liver. Store Zanaflex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Zanaflex Precautions

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zanaflex may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Dizziness is most likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Use caution with alcohol, other muscle relaxants, sleep or anxiety medicines, and pain medicines. These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zanaflex. Do not take any other medicine during treatment with Zanaflex without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Zanaflex Drug Interactions

Zanaflex may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Birth control pills can increase the effects of Zanaflex. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills before starting treatment with Zanaflex. Zanaflex may lower blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking another medicine to lower blood pressure or a medicine to treat another heart condition. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Zanaflex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Zanaflex Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zanaflex and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); hallucinations or abnormal behavior; or liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zanaflex and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness or dizziness; weakness; dry mouth; increased muscle tone or spasms; or sweating. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Zanaflex Overdose

If Zanaflex overdose is suspected seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Zanaflex overdose are not well known but include unconsciousness and irregular breathing.
 

Zanaflex Notes

Do not share Zanaflex with others.

Missed Zanaflex 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 Zanaflex dosing schedule. Do not double-up the dose to catch up.
 

Other Muscle Relaxants

Cyclobenzaprine | Flexeril | Skelaxin | Soma | Zanaflex