Tizanidine tablets or capsules

What is this medicine?

TIZANIDINE (tye ZAN i deen) helps to relieve muscle spasms. It may be used to help in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-low blood pressure
-mental disorder
-an unusual or allergic reaction to tizanidine, other medicines, lactose (tablets only), foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

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Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food unless you talk with your doctor. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Suddenly stopping the medicine can be very dangerous.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What if I miss a dose?

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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-ciprofloxacin
-clonidine
-fluvoxamine
-guanabenz
-guanfacine
-methyldopa

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-acyclovir
-alcohol
-antihistamines
-baclofen
-barbiturates like phenobarbital
-benzodiazepines
-cimetidine
-famotidine
-female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
-medicines for high blood pressure
-medicines for irregular heartbeat
-medicines for pain like codeine, morphine, and hydrocodone
-medicines for sleep
-rofecoxib
-some antibiotics like levofloxacin, ofloxacin
-ticlopidine
-zileuton

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-blurred vision
-fainting spells
-hallucinations
-nausea or vomiting
-nervousness
-redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-slow or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
-yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-dizziness
-drowsiness
-dry mouth
-tiredness or weakness

Where should I keep my medicine?

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Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.

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FIRST Trimester

Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

SECOND Trimester

Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

THIRD Trimester

Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Lactation

Avoid - This drug is known to cause harm to infants when taken by nursing mothers.