Drug Name

Tizanidine

Drug Uses

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

How to use

Use Tizanidine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact 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 suddenly stop taking Tizanidine . If you need to stop Tizanidine , your doctor will gradually lower your dose 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 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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Tizanidine.

Drug Class and Mechanism

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

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Tizanidine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Tizanidine
• you are taking ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Tizanidine:
Some medical conditions may interact with Tizanidine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

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

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Tizanidine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
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 may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Tizanidine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; flushing; tiredness; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
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.

More Information

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