USES
Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Tizanidine is used to treat increased muscle tone associated with spasticity. Tizanidine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

WHAT TO KNOW
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tizanidine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Dizziness is most likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Use caution with alcohol, other muscle relaxants, sleep or anxiety medicines, and pain medicines. These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking tizanidine. Do not take any other medicine during treatment with tizanidine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

WHAT IS IT
Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Tizanidine is used to treat increased muscle tone associated with spasticity. Tizanidine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

BEFORE USING
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:

have liver disease

have kidney disease

have low blood pressure or are on medication to treat high blood pressure

are taking birth control pills.

You may not be able to take tizanidine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Tizanidine is in the FDA pregnancy C. This means that it is not known whether tizanidine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether tizanidine passes into breast milk. Do not take tizanidine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION
Take tizanidine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Tizanidine is usually taken several times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not take more than three doses of tizanidine--or more than 36 mg--in 24 hours. Too much of this medication can damage your liver. Store tizanidine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

MISSED DOSE
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

OVER DOSE
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a tizanidine overdose are not well known but include unconsciousness and irregular breathing.

SIDE EFFECTS
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking tizanidine and seek emergency medical attention:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)

hallucinations or abnormal behavior

liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take tizanidine and talk to your doctor if you experience:

drowsiness or dizziness

weakness; dry mouth

increased muscle tone or spasms

sweating

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

PRECAUTIONS
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tizanidine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Dizziness is most likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Use caution with alcohol, other muscle relaxants, sleep or anxiety medicines, and pain medicines. These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking tizanidine. Do not take any other medicine during treatment with tizanidine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tizanidine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Birth control pills can increase the effects of tizanidine. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills before starting treatment with tizanidine. Tizanidine may lower blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking another medicine to lower blood pressure or a medicine to treat another heart condition. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tizanidine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.