Tizanidine

About Tizanidine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as muscle relaxants.

Tizanidine is used to treat conditions which cause the muscles to spasm, cramp or tighten such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and spinal injury.

Tizanidine works by relaxing the muscles and preventing spasms reducing any pain and discomfort.

Tizanidine is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Zanaflex. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 suffer from low blood pressure
• if you are over 60 years of age
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Tizanidine

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Always keep to your appointments to see your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of tizanidine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside tizanidine.
• Tizanidine may cause drowsiness, blurred vision or dizziness. Make sure you are feeling well and your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Tizanidine can cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or a piece of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Tizanidine cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Tiredness, upset tummy, feeling sick, difficulty sleeping or seeing or hearing things that are not real.

If you have a sudden loss of appetite, have an unexplained bout of nausea or extreme tiredness contact your doctor.

Important: If you develop yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, pain or swelling in the midriff contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your 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.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 05/11/2003