BEFORE USING ZANAFLEX:
Inform your doctor or pharmacist
of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your
doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications
you are taking, including other medications that cause drowsiness,
medications for high blood pressure, oral contraceptives, and
vitamins. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney
or liver disease
DIRECTIONS FOR TAKING ZANAFLEX:
Follow the directions for using
Zanaflex provided by your doctor. Store this medication at room
temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of Zanaflex,
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.
ZANAFLEX CAUTIONS :
Before you have any medical
or dental treatments, emergency care or surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are using Zanaflex.
Zanaflex may cause drowsiness.
Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol
may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially
dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions
about which medicines cause drowsiness.
Before you begin taking any
new medication, either prescription or over-the-counter, check
with your doctor or pharmacist.
FOR WOMEN: If you plan on becoming
pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using
this medicine during pregnancy.
Zanaflex may cause dryness of
the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt
bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However,
if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with your
medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may
increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay,
gum disease, and fungal infections.
Do not suddenly stop taking
this medicine. Unwanted effects may occur if the medicine is stopped
suddenly. Check with your doctor for the best way to reduce gradually
the amount you are taking before stopping completely.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF
ZANAFLEX:
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away
during treatment, include drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing, or
dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience
increased muscle weakness; trouble urinating or lack of bladder
control; or change in emotions, mood, or behavior. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
DRUG INTERACTIONS :
Tell your doctor of all prescription
and nonprescription medications you may take, especially of: blood
pressure drugs (e.g., water pills, clonidine, methyldopa, guanabenz,
guanfacine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., linezolid, furazolidone, phenelzine,
selegiline), sleep medicines, sedatives (e.g., diazepam), tranquilizers,
anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine),
barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), certain antihistamines (e.g.,
diphenhydramine), other muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine),
certain antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline, trazodone),
phenothiazine psychiatric drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine), birth
control pills. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
Zanaflex may lower blood pressure.
Tell your doctor if you are taking another medicine to lower blood
pressure or a medicine to treat another heart condition
Birth control pills can increase
the effects of Zanaflex. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth
control pills before starting treatment with tizanidine.
IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH ZANAFLEX:
If Zanaflex overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT
ZANAFLEX:
Do not share this medication
with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine
for other health conditions. Keep this medication out of the reach
of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF
TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.