Zanaflex (Tizanidine)

What is Generic Zanaflex?

It is a central muscle relaxant that is used to reduce muscle spasms caused by various neurological diseases. Active components of the drug have a direct effect on the nervous system, which as a result contributes to the relief of patients with stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and various degenerative diseases of the spine.

One tablet contains 2 mg of Tizanidine as the main ingredient. The active component of the drug has a relaxing effect on the striated muscle. The drug reduces muscle tone and eliminates clonic and myoclonic cramps. Due to this influence, the motor activity of muscles is increased. The drug Zanaflex reduces pain and reduces spasmolytic effects. The drug has a rapid absorption. The level of maximum concentration is achieved 2-3 hours after application. The process of eating does not affect the degree of absorption of the drug. The level of bioavailability is 40%. The main excretion of the drug occurs through the kidneys, namely through the urinary system, and is approximately 60%. Through the gastrointestinal tract, about 20% is excreted.

In what kind of disease treatment Zanaflex is helpful?

Pills Zanaflex must be used to eliminate the spastic and convulsive state of skeletal muscles that occur against the background of the following neurological diseases:

• pathology of the spinal cord of a degenerative nature;

• spasticity;

• opistonus;

• hernia;

• stroke;

• multiple sclerosis;

• myelopathy with chronic course;

• convulsions;

• myoclonia.

In addition, the medicine is taken at the appearance of painful spasms of skeletal muscles that arise as a result of a lesion of the spine.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Generic Zanaflex?

The drug should not be used in the following conditions:

• when there is an increased susceptibility to the constituent components of the drug;
• women in the period of bearing a child;
• breastfeeding;
• children and adolescents under the age of 15 years.

Also, the drug should be used with caution in such cases:

• if there are severe pathological violations of the liver;
• with caution, the drug is taken by people over 65 years of age;

How should I take Zanaflex?

A pill should be taken orally with a liquid.

Dosage information

According to the recommendations, which are set out in the manual, the initial dose of the drug for spasms in the muscles is 2-3 mg. The interval between the accepted doses should be 8 hours, 3 admission is allowed per day. If severe conditions are observed, it is recommended to take another pill at night. During neurological disorders, in which there is soreness of the muscle fibers, the dosage of Tizanidine is prescribed individually for each patient. Usually, at the beginning, no more than 6 mg of active ingredient per day is prescribed. After a certain period, the dosage rises, but this should happen under the supervision of a doctor. The maximum dose should not exceed 36 mg per day.

What may interact with Generic Zanaflex?

Do not use the medicine at the same time as alcoholic beverages, because alcohol increases the sedative effect of the drug.

To prescribe this medication with fluvoxamine and ciprofloxacin is prohibited. The admission with inhibitors of CYP1A2 is also contraindicated.

Simultaneous use of contraceptives with these medicines is not recommended. If the use of Zanaflex can not be avoided, it is desirable to reduce the dosage to a minimum.

What should I watch for while taking Zanaflex?

Due to the fact that the components of the drug can have a negative impact on the child, during pregnancy, women are not recommended to use it for treatment. When taking medication during breastfeeding, the constituent components of the medicine fall into the composition of breast milk. Doctors recommend in cases of acute necessity for the use of the medicine to cancel breastfeeding.

When using the medication together with antihypertensive drugs, namely diuretics, arterial hypotension and bradycardia can occur. During the simultaneous use of ethanol and muscle relaxants with a sedative effect, the sedation increases. It is necessary to use the preparation with extreme caution in patients with impaired renal and hepatic activity. In the initial period of medical therapy, there may be increased drowsiness, so avoid activities that require increased concentration.

What side effects may I notice from Zanaflex?

If the dosage is exceeded, the following unpleasant symptoms may occur:

• the onset of drowsiness;
• feelings of weakness, increased fatigue;
• a state of bradycardia;
• hypotension;
• blurred consciousness.

Possible adverse reactions when taking medication:

• a state of drowsiness;
• increased dryness in the oral cavity;
• hypotension;
• can lower blood pressure;
• bradycardia;
• dizziness;
• a state of weakness or asthenia;
• the appearance of muscle spasms;
• occurrence of hallucinations;
• a state of increased fatigue;
• problems in the functioning of the liver;
• can be observed hepatotoxicity.

In rare cases, during treatment with this medication, the following undesirable Zanaflex side effects may occur:

• Stephen-Johnson syndrome;
• occurrence of anaphylactic shock;
• the appearance of dermatitis exfoliative nature;
• the state of ventricular tachycardia;
• hepatitis;
• muscle cramps;
• depressive state;
• pain in the joints;
• state of paresthesia;
• the appearance of a rash;
• tremor.

Where can I keep Zanaflex?

Keep it at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, in a place inaccessible to children. Shelf life is 5 years. Do not use it if the packaging is damaged or after the expired date. It is possible to buy Zanaflex without prescription in one of famous international pharmacies, for example, in Australia online pharmacy.