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Pronounced: (tize-AN-ih-deen)
Zanaflex Oral Uses
Table of Contents
- >>Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
This medication is used to treat muscle tightness and cramping (spasm) caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal injury. Decreasing spasms can reduce pain and improve your ability to move around. Tizanidine is a short-acting muscle relaxant that works by blocking certain nerve signals from the spine to the brain (alpha adrenergic agonist).
How To Use Zanaflex Oral
Take this medication by mouth as directed. When you start this medication, your dosage will probably need to be increased slowly by your doctor to reduce side effects, especially dizziness and/or drowsiness. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use this medication correctly, and follow all instructions carefully. This medication usually starts to work in 1 to 2 hours and wears off after 6 to 8 hours. Tizanidine can be taken every 6 to 8 hours, but you should not take more than 36 milligrams a day or more than 3 doses in 24 hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Your body will absorb this medication differently depending on whether you take it as a tablet or capsule, whether you take it with food or on an empty stomach, or if you sprinkle the contents of the capsule on food. 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 your doctor prescribes a different form of tizanidine (e.g., tablet or capsule).
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended period of time, or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, if you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions may occur. Such reactions can include anxiety and tremor, as well as increased blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tenseness. Report to your doctor immediately any such reactions. When stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
