Tizanidine: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More

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Highlights for tizanidine

Oral tablet formulations of tizanidine are offered in both their generic and brand-name forms. Zanaflex is the name of the brand.

Tizanidine is also available in the form of an oral capsule.

Tizanidine is taken in the form of an oral tablet to treat muscle spasms. Patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or muscle stiffness frequently benefit from its administration.

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Warnings of vital importance

Warning for having low blood pressure. Tizanidine has been linked to dangerously low blood pressure, which can result in fainting or dizziness. Your physician may recommend the lowest effective dose of this medication for you in order to assist lessen the likelihood of you experiencing any adverse effects from taking it. If you are already on medications that lower blood pressure, your primary care physician may check your blood pressure at more frequent intervals.

Liver damage warning. Tizanidine might induce liver damage. If you have liver illness, you should consult your physician to determine whether or not this medication is safe for you to take. If you take this medication, your doctor will likely examine you closely for any changes in the way that your liver processes toxins.

Warning for those who are hallucinating or having delusions. Tizanidine is known to induce visual hallucinations or the experience of seeing objects that aren’t actually there. It is also possible for it to produce delusions, which are false beliefs about things that are not true. Stop taking this medication as soon as possible and get in touch with your primary care physician if you experience either of these adverse effects.

Warning about the sedative effect (drowsiness). Tizanidine can produce sedation. The sedative effects of tizanidine can be amplified when used with alcohol or certain medications, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or tricyclic antidepressants. Discuss any drugs, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking with your primary care physician or a licensed pharmacist.

Tizanidine: what exactly is it?

Tizanidine is a medicine that requires a doctor’s prescription and is available in both oral tablet and oral capsule form.

Oral tablets of tizanidine are sold under the brand name Zanaflex in some countries. A generic version of the medication is also on the market. In most cases, the cost of generic pharmaceuticals is significantly lower than that of their brand-name counterparts. They might not be offered in the same dose strengths or dosage forms as the corresponding brand-name drug in some instances.

Why it’s put to use

Tizanidine is taken in the form of an oral tablet to treat muscle spasms. Muscles may hurt, feel tight, or become stiff as a result of this condition. People who suffer from multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or stiffness in their muscles frequently take this medication.

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The workings of it

Tizanidine is an example of a medication that is classified as an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist. A group of different pharmaceuticals that share a common mode of action is referred to as a class of drugs. These medications are frequently prescribed to address illnesses that are analogous to one another.

Tizanidine inhibits the activity of the nerves in the spinal cord that are responsible for controlling muscle movement. Muscle spasms are alleviated as a result of this treatment.

Tizanidine side effects

The sleepiness-inducing potential of the oral tablet form of tizanidine. It is possible that this will also create other adverse effects.

More common side effects

The following are some of the more prevalent adverse reactions that may occur when taking tizanidine:

parched mouth fatigue and weakness

dizziness

infection of the urinary tract

constipation

The inability to talk due to throwing up

symptoms including stuffy nose, painful throat, and visual issues

In the event that these side effects are not severe, it is possible that they will disappear in a matter of days or weeks. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if the symptoms become more severe or if they do not go away.

Serious adverse effects may result.

If you are experiencing major adverse effects, you should contact your physician as soon as possible. In the event that your symptoms appear to be life-threatening or if you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately. The following is a list of potentially serious side effects and the symptoms they cause:

Hallucinations. Among the possible symptoms is the experience of seeing objects that aren’t really there.

Delusions. Among the possible symptoms is the belief in things that aren’t actually there.

A blood pressure that is extremely low. Some people have symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness, particularly when standing up after sitting or lying down.

Liver injury. Symptoms may include increased bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, and yellowing of the whites of the eyes.

Sedation. Symptoms can include things like lightheadedness and weakness.

drowsiness and a state of fatigue

Please understand that our intention is to present you with the most recent and pertinent information possible. However, due to the fact that medications have varying effects on different people, we are unable to guarantee that this material covers all of the potential adverse effects. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice in any way. Always have a conversation about potential adverse effects with a medical expert who is familiar with your medical history.

Tizanidine might have an effect on the way other drugs work.

It is possible for the tizanidine oral tablet to interact with other medicines, vitamins, or herbs that you might be taking. When one substance alters the functioning of another, this is known as an interaction. This may result in adverse effects or reduce the efficacy of the medication.

Your physician ought to properly manage all of your prescriptions for you in order to help you avoid interactions. It is imperative that you discuss any drugs, supplements, or herbs that you are currently taking with your primary care physician. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about how this medication might interact with other medications that you are currently taking.

The following is a list of some examples of medicines that may produce adverse reactions when combined with tizanidine.

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Tizanidine should not be used with the drugs listed here.

It is not safe to combine tizanidine with these other medications. These medicines, when combined with tizanidine, have the potential to produce harmful effects on the body. Some examples of these medications are as follows:

Ciprofloxacin and fluvoxamine have been prescribed (Cipro). When combined, these medications have the potential to cause dangerously low blood pressure. It is also possible for it to produce increased sleepiness as well as impaired control over muscle movement.

Other drugs that are classified as alpha-2 agonists include clonidine, methyldopa, and guanfacine. Combining tizanidine with any of these other medicines can result in dangerously low blood pressure.

Substances that raise the potential for adverse reactions when combined with tizanidine

Combining tizanidine with certain other medications increases the likelihood that you will experience negative effects from tizanidine. This happens as a result of an increase in the amount of tizanidine present in your body. If at all possible, you should steer clear of combining these medicines with tizanidine. Some examples of these medications are as follows:

Zileuton. The patient may experience lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, or excessive sleepiness as a result of the increased adverse effects.

There is a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones, which includes ciprofloxacin as well as levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and gemifloxacin, among others. The patient may experience lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, or excessive sleepiness as a result of the increased adverse effects.

A number of medications for the heart’s rhythm include amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone, and verapamil. The patient may experience lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, or excessive sleepiness as a result of the increased adverse effects.

medications that neutralize stomach acids, such as cimetidine or famotidine. The patient may experience lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, or excessive sleepiness as a result of the increased adverse effects.

Oral contraceptives. The patient may experience lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, or excessive sleepiness as a result of the increased adverse effects.

Acyclovir. The patient may experience lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, or excessive sleepiness as a result of the increased adverse effects.

Ticlopidine. The patient may experience lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, or excessive sleepiness as a result of the increased adverse effects.

The following medications, when combined with tizanidine, have the potential to cause an excessive amount of sedation (drowsiness):

benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, lorazepam, or diazepam.

substances that are classified as opioids, such as morphine, methadone, or oxycodone.

a number of different types of antidepressants, including amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and protriptyline.

Please understand that our intention is to present you with the most recent and pertinent information possible. We are unable to ensure that this information covers all of the potential drug interactions because the way pharmaceuticals react in different people impedes our ability to do so. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice in any way. Always make sure to discuss the possibility of drug interactions with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, whether it be over-the-counter medication, prescription medication, vitamins, herbs, or supplements.

Tizanidine warnings

The oral tablet form of tizanidine comes with a number of precautions.

Caution: allergens present

Tizanidine has been linked to life-threatening allergic reactions in certain people. Symptoms may include the following:

difficulty breathing and itching

symptoms including swelling in your throat or tongue

In the event that you have an allergic reaction, you should contact either your physician or the local poison control center as soon as possible. If your symptoms are severe, you should phone 911 or go to the emergency room that is located closest to you.

If you have ever experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, you should never take it again. Taking it once again could be your last tragic mistake (cause death).

Caution regarding alcohol and drug interactions

Drinking beverages that are alcoholic causes an increase in the quantity of tizanidine that is produced in the body. This may increase the adverse effects that are caused by tizanidine.

Warnings for individuals who have the following health conditions:

those who have a reduced ability of their liver to function. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking tizanidine with your primary care provider. If you are going to be taking this medication, your physician may decide to lower your dosage. Additionally, prior to beginning medication, your physician ought to evaluate the state of your liver. After prescribing you your maximum dose, they could check it again after a month has passed.

in the case of patients whose kidney function is compromised. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking tizanidine with your primary care provider. If you are going to be taking this medication, your physician may decide to lower your dosage. Additionally, your physician will monitor the amount of tizanidine that has accumulated in your body. Some people experience dry mouth, dizziness, or drowsiness as a symptom.

Cautionary notes for members of other groups

For pregnant ladies. Tizanidine is considered a medication for pregnancy category C. That entails two different things:

Animal studies have indicated that when the pregnant woman takes the medication, it can have harmful consequences on the developing baby.

There simply have not been enough studies conducted in humans to provide conclusive evidence on the possible effects of the medicine on the developing baby.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you are thinking about becoming pregnant. This medication should only be taken during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks to the developing baby. If you become pregnant while using this medication, you should contact your doctor immediately.

for nursing mothers and expectant mothers. It is not known if tizanidine is excreted into breast milk or if a child who is breastfed will have any adverse effects from the drug. If you are breastfeeding your child, you should discuss this with your physician. It is possible that you will need to make a choice between discontinuing nursing and terminating treatment with this medicine.

For the elderly. It’s possible that kidney function declines with age, particularly in elderly persons. This may result in a decreased rate of medication elimination from your body. As a consequence of this, a greater quantity of medicine is retained in your body for a longer period of time. This increases the likelihood that you will experience side effects.

For children. Children have not been the focus of any studies regarding this medicine. Individuals who are younger than 18 years old should not be given it.

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How to take tizanidine

This dose information pertains to the oral tablet version of tizanidine. It’s conceivable that not all dosing options or drug formulations have been included here. The following factors will determine the optimal dosage, medicine form, and administration schedule for the medication:

your age, the ailment being treated, the severity of your condition, and any other medical issues you have or other medical disorders you have your response to the initial dose to consider.

Structures and capabilities

Generic: Tizanidine

Tablets to be taken orally.

Strengths: 2 mg, 4 mg

Manufacturer: Zanaflex

Tablets to be taken orally.

Strengths: 4 mg Dosage for muscle spasms

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

The standard starting dosage is 2 milligrams taken every six to eight hours as needed.

Increases in Dosage: If your symptoms are not under control, your doctor may recommend a dosage increase of between 2 and 4 mg. They will wait for anything from one to four days between each increase.

Maximum dosage: 3 dosages in 24 hours.

Dosage for children (ages 0–17 years)

Children have not been the focus of any studies regarding this medicine. Individuals who are younger than 18 years old should not be given it.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

It’s possible that kidney function declines with age, particularly in elderly persons. This may result in a decreased rate of medication elimination from your body. As a consequence of this, a greater quantity of medicine is retained in your body for a longer period of time. This increases the likelihood that you will experience side effects. It’s possible that your primary care physician will start you out on a lower dose or a different dosing regimen. This can help prevent dangerously high quantities of this substance from developing inside of your body in the first place.

Please understand that our intention is to present you with the most recent and pertinent information possible. However, due to the fact that medications have varying effects on various people, we are unable to guarantee that this list contains all of the possible dosages. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice in any way. Always with your primary care physician or a pharmacist on the dosages that are appropriate for you.

Take exactly as directed.

The oral tablet form of tizanidine can be used for either long-term or short-term treatment. If you don’t take it exactly as directed, you put yourself in danger of serious side effects.

If you suddenly stop taking the medicine or if you never take it at all, you run the risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This is especially true for people who take tizanidine. This danger is increased if you have been taking the drug for an extended period of time or if you have been taking high dosages of it.

Symptoms of withdrawal may include an increase in blood pressure or heart rate, as well as an intensification of muscle spasms. If you make the decision to discontinue using this medication, your doctor will need to gradually lower your dosage by 2–4 mg per day.

It is possible that your muscular spasms will not get better even if you continue to use this medication.

If you skip doses or don’t take the prescription according to the prescribed schedule, the effects of your medication may be diminished or they may even stop working entirely. It is possible to experience withdrawal symptoms if you skip too many doses of your medication.

If you take an excessive amount of the medicine, you run the risk of having unsafe quantities of it in your body. The following are some of the symptoms that may accompany an overdose of this drug:

extreme weariness

confusion \scoma

a slowing down of the heart rate

a significant and dangerous drop in blood pressure

a slowing down of the breath

Call your physician immediately if you believe that you have taken an unsafe amount of this medication, or consult the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use the resource that they provide on their website. However, if the severity of your symptoms continues to worsen, you should immediately dial 911 or go to the emergency room in the local hospital.

In the event that you forget to take a dose, you should take it as soon as you realize it. If, however, you only remember a few hours before your next planned dose, then you should only take that one dose. Under no circumstances should you attempt to catch up by taking two doses at once. Because of this, potentially harmful consequences could arise.

How to tell if the medicine is having the desired effect: You should experience a decrease in the severity of the symptoms of muscle spasms. Among these symptoms may be a feeling of tightness, discomfort, or stiffness in the muscles.

Important things to keep in mind regarding the use of tizanidine

If your healthcare provider recommends an oral tablet form of tizanidine for you, keep the following things in mind.

General

Tizanidine can be taken with or without food depending on your preference. On the other hand, you ought to be consistent. Follow the same procedure each time you take it.

You have the option of cutting or crushing the tablet.

Storage

Tizanidine pills should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment between 77 and 25 degrees Celsius. You can keep them for a short period at temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius (59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).

It is important that you do not keep this medication in a place that is going to be wet or damp, such as the restroom.

Refills It is possible to get further refills of this medication if you have a prescription for it. It should not be necessary for you to provide a new prescription in order to have this medication refilled. On your prescription, your physician will indicate the maximum number of refills that are permitted.

Travel

If you are going to travel with your medication, you should:

Always ensure that you have your medication on you. When flying, you should under never circumstances put it in a checked bag. Keep it in the carry-on bag you’re using.

You don’t need to be concerned about the X-ray machines at the airport. They won’t have any effect on the medication you take.

It’s possible that airport employees will ask to see the pharmacy label for the medication you’re carrying with you. Always make sure you have the original container with the prescription label on it.

Do not place this medication in the glove compartment of your vehicle or leave it in the vehicle alone. Make it a point to steer clear of doing this when the temperature is either hot or extremely cold.

Clinical monitoring

Certain health concerns should be monitored by both you and your physician. While you are on tizanidine, this can assist in ensuring that you remain safe. These concerns include the following:

Physiology of the kidneys The functionality of your kidneys can be evaluated by blood testing. Your dosage of this medication may need to be adjusted if your kidneys aren’t functioning as they should be.

the workings of the liver The functionality of your liver can be evaluated through the use of blood tests. Your dosage of this medication may need to be adjusted if your liver isn’t functioning as it should be.

Blood pressure. During the time that you are taking this medication, your doctor may check your blood pressure to ensure that it does not drop to an unsafe level.

Availability

This medication is not available at all pharmacies. Before you go to the pharmacy to fill your prescription, give them a quick call to make sure they have the medication in stock.

Insurance

This medication needs to be pre-authorized in order to be covered by the majority of insurance plans. This indicates that your insurance company may require your doctor to obtain clearance from your insurance company before they will pay for the prescription from your insurance company.

Are there any other options available?

There are additional medications that can be used to treat your illness. It’s possible that some will work better for you than others. Talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of trying out other medications to see if any of them help.