Drug Uses

Zanaflex (Tizanidine-Oral) is used in relaxing certain muscles in the body. It is a muscle relaxant. It is used to relieve the spasms and increased muscle tone that is generally caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal injury. It might also be used by your doctor in other cases as he deems fit.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You should take zanaflex orally.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

The dosage is usually twice or thrice everyday.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Tizanidine reduces spasticity by increasing presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons. It is an agonist at (alpha) 2 -adrenergic receptor sites. Tizanidine has no direct effect on skeletal muscle fibers or the neuromuscular junction, and no major effect on monosynaptic spinal reflexes in animal models. Its effects are most remarkable on polysynaptic pathways. The net result of all these action is believed to reduce facilitation of spinal motor neurons.
Tizanidine’s imidazoline chemical structure is similar to other (alpha) 2 -adrenergic agonists and anti-hypertensive drug clonidine. Research and pharmacological studies conducted on animals show similarities between the two but Tizanidine shows a potency of one-tenth to one-fiftieth (1/50) of that of clonidine in lowering blood pressure.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Zanaflex at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets. It should be properly disposed when expired or not needed.

Warning/Precautions

Your condition might be monitored or the dosage might be modified to suit you if you have conditions like iver disease, have kidney disease, have low blood pressure or you are on medication to treat high blood pressure; or you are taking birth control pills

Zanaflex may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Zanaflex. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Pregnancy Info

Zanaflex is in the FDA Category C.

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Zanaflex to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Zanaflex as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.