Home Health Medicine Zanaflex: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price, Composition, Precautions & More

Zanaflex: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price, Composition, Precautions & More

December 10, 2018

What is Zanaflex?

Zanaflex contains “tizanidine” as its active ingredient.
Zanaflex belong to a group of medicines called skeletal muscle relaxants.

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Uses of Zanaflex

Zanaflex is used for the treatment of muscle spasms resulting from multiple sclerosis, injury or diseases of the spinal cord.

Read more: Mercaptopurine Uses

Zanaflex Composition

Zanaflex tablets contain the active ingredient, tizanidine hydrochloride (4.58 mg equivalent to 4 mg tizanidine base),
Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid, microcrystalline cellulose and anhydrous lactose.

Know more: Novolog Composition

How does Zanafl Zanaflex ex work?

Zanaflex works by blocking nerve impulses (pain sensations) that are sent to the brain.

Also check out: Zocor Price

How to Take Zanaflex?

Zanaflex is available in the form of 2, 4, and 6 mg capsules and 4mg tablets.
Zanaflex tablets and capsules should be consumed with water.
The way the tablets or capsules should be consumed with or without food must be decided after consultation with your doctor.
Do not crush, chew or dissolve the capsules/tablets.

Common Dosage for Zanaflex?

Recommended starting dose for Zanaflex is 2mg.
Treatment can be repeated at 6-8 hour intervals, as needed, to a maximum of three doses in a day.
Dosage can be increased by 2 – 4 mg per dose, with 1 – 4 days between increases.
Maximum dose per day – 36 mg.

Read more: Zocor Dosage

When to Avoid Zanaflex?

Zanaflex should be avoided or used with caution in:

Patients with allergy to Zanaflex

Read more: Revlimid Precaution

Side-effects of Zanaflex?

In addition to its intended uses, it may cause few undesirable side effects as well.
Low blood pressure
Sedation
Drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness
Hallucinations
Increase of blood pressure if the patient stops taking medicine abruptly
Dry mouth
Decrease or increase in heart rate
Sleep disorders
Nausea
Stomach upset
Muscle weakness

Effect on organs?

Dose adjustment is required in patients liver and kidney dysfunction.

Reported Allergic Reactions?

Report to your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Signs of allergic reaction include:
Rashes/itching of skin
Shortness of breath
Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
Loss of consciousness

Drug Interactions to Be Careful About

Zanaflex can interact with other drugs, vitamin supplements and herbal products. It is always advised that you must inform the physician about all the drugs/over the counter products used before using Zanaflex.
Drugs that can interact with Zanaflex include –
Fluvoxamine
Ciprofloxacin
Zileuton, fluoroquinolones other than strong CYP1A2 inhibitors
Antiarrythmics – amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone, and verapamil
Cimetidine, famotidine
Oral contraceptives
Acyclovir
Ticlopidine
Oral contraceptives
CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants)
α2-adrenergic agonists (used to treat high blood pressure)

Shows Effects / Results In:

Zanaflex shows therapeutic effects within 1-2 hours of oral administration.

Storage of Zanaflex:

Store at cool and dry place away from direct heat and moisture.
Do not freeze the medicine.
Keep medicines away from children and pets.

Pro Tips When Taking Zanaflex:

Do not get up immediately from lying down position as Zanaflex can lead to posture related fall in blood pressure.
Do not stop taking the drug abruptly as it may lead to adverse withdrawal symptoms.
Always inform your doctor if you are planning to conceive while taking Zanaflex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zanaflex addictive?

Zanaflex is not addictive.

Can I have Zanaflex with alcohol?

Any particular food item to be avoided?

Can I have Zanaflex when pregnant?

Zanaflex should be given to pregnant women only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the unborn fetus

Can I have Zanaflex when feeding a baby?

Can I drive after taking Zanaflex?

Zanaflex can cause fall in blood pressure and cause sedation as a side effect. Make sure you are not affected before you drive.

What happens if I overdose on Zanaflex?

Signs of overdose include lethargy, sleeplessness, confusion and coma.

You must contact your doctor immediately if you have taken an overdose.

What happens if I take expired Zanaflex?

A single dose of expired Zanaflex may not cause any major adverse effect. However, the potency of the medicine may well have decreased overtime.

What happens if I miss a dose of Zanaflex?

You can take the dose as soon as you remember it but if it’s time for the next dose, avoid taking a double dose.