Zanaflex® is a muscle relaxant that is used
to treat muscle spasms and increased muscle tone
associated with spesticity. Zanaflex® works by
blocking nerve impulses.
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Zanaflex®
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your
physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the
drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
This medication is used to treat muscle spasms.
How to Use
Take as directed. Your dosage will probably need to
be adjusted by your doctor initially to achieve satisfactory
results. Follow directions exactly.
Side Effects
Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, unusual
weakness or dry mouth might occur. If these continue
or are bothersome, notify your doctor. To minimize dizziness,
stand up slowly when arising from a sitting or lying
position. Notify your doctor if you develop: yellowing
skin or eyes, stomach pain, vomiting, hallucinations.
Very unlikely but report: vision or hearing changes,
urinary frequency or burning, slow or irregular heartbeat,
black stool. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely,
but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, dizziness,
trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have:
any allergies, low blood pressure, liver or heart disease,
kidney disease, eye disease. Limit the use of alcohol
as alcohol may intensify the dizziness and drowsiness
effects of this drug. Use caution when driving or operating
machinery or when alertness is required. This medication
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It
is not known whether this drug is excreted into human
milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution
is advised when this drug is used in the elderly.
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.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include trouble breathing or unconsciousness.
Notes
Your doctor may monitor liver tests during treatment.
Do not share this medication with others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees
F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
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