Product Details: Zanaflex (Tizanidine)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Acorda Therapeutics

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Food can change the way your body absorbs and uses this medicine. 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 (such as a tablet or capsule). STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to avoid side effects. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function, kidney function, and blood pressure may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, weakness, fatigue, or tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, nervousness, increased muscle spasms, slurred speech, trouble speaking, or blurred vision. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience mood or mental changes; hallucinations; stomach pain; yellowing of your skin or eyes; dark urine or pale stools; fast, slow or irregular heartbeat; severe weakness, fatigue, or fainting; or loss of muscle control. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Tizanidine