Tizanidine (brand names include: Zanaflex, Sirdalud, Tizan) is a muscle relaxant.

Tizanidine is a short-acting drug indicated for the management of spasticity. It is used for conditions which cause the muscles to spasm such as multiple sclerosis and spinal injury.

Tizanidine can reduce the increased muscle tone that is causing your spasticity without affecting your muscle strength.

Tizanidine works in the brain and spinal cord to change the messages being sent to the muscles and thereby reduce spasticity.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Tizanidine exactly as directed.

Take Tizanidine by mouth. You should not take more than 18 of the 2mg tablets or 9 of the 4mg tablets in any 24 hour period.

Try to take Tizanidine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.

Food can change the way your body absorbs and uses Tizanidine. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor to determine the best way to take your dose, especially when changes to your dose are being considered, or if you are being prescribed a different dose form of Tizanidine (eg, tablets or capsules).

Do not stop taking Tizanidine suddenly. Your doctor will probably reduce your dose gradually.

If you miss a dose of Tizanidine, 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.

Keep Tizanidine at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Tizanidine, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have liver or kidney problems;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: tizanidine hydrochloride.