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Tizanidine

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Tizanidine relieves muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord disease or injury.
Side-effects of treatment may include drowsiness, dry mouth and feeling sick.

About tizanidine

Type of medicine	Muscle relaxant
Used for	Conditions which cause the muscles to spasm such as multiple sclerosis and spinal injury
Also called	Zanaflex®
Available as	Tablets

Tizanidine works by relaxing the muscles and preventing spasms which reduces any associated pain and discomfort.

Before taking tizanidine

Before taking tizanidine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

Tizanidine is not recommended for people who are under 18 year of age or those over 60 years of age.

How to take tizanidine

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
You should not take more than 18 of the 2mg tablets or 9 of the 4mg tablets in any 24 hour period.
Try to take tizanidine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness you may have. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can tizanidine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, tiredness or dizziness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other job which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Dry mouth	Try chewing sugar-free gum or sweets, or sucking pieces of ice
Feeling sick, upset stomach	Eat little and often and stick to simple foods. Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Light-headedness especially when getting up from sitting or laying down	Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing
Other less common side-effects include difficulty sleeping, hallucinations (imagining things that aren't real) and a slower heart rate	If these are troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience extreme tiredness, fever, feeling sick or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store tizanidine

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Zanaflex®, Cephalon Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Approved July 2007, accessed 6 July 2008.
British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
3755

DocRef:
dils3754

Last Updated:
10 Aug 2008

Date of Next Review:
10 Aug 2010

Version:
23

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