Zanaflex (Tizanidine) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 27, 2012

Zanaflex

Chronic Pain »

Introduction to Chronic Pain

You know it at once. It may be the fiery sensation of a burn moments after your finger touches the stove. Or it's a dull ache above your brow after a day of stress and tension. Or you may recognize it as a sharp pierce in your back after you lift something heavy.

It is pain. In its most benign form, it warns us that something isn't quite right, that we should take medicine or see a doctor. At its worst, however, pain robs us of our productivity, our well-being, and, for many of us suffering from extended illness, our very lives. Pain is a complex perception that differs enormously among individual patients, even those who appear to have identical injuries or illnesses.

In 1931, the French medical missionary Dr. Albert Schweitzer wrote, "Pain is a more terrible lord of mankind than even death itself." Today, pain has become the universal disorder, a serious and costly public health issue, and a challenge for famil...

Read the Chronic Pain article »

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PATIENT INFORMATION

Patients should be advised of the limited clinical experience with tizanidine both in regard to duration of use and the higher doses required to reduce muscle tone (see WARNINGS). Because of the possibility of tizanidine lowering blood pressure, patients should be warned about the risk of clinically significant orthostatic hypotension (see WARNINGS). Because of the possibility of sedation, patients should be warned about performing activities requiring alertness, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery (see WARNINGS). Patients should also be instructed that the sedation may be additive when tizanidine is taken in conjunction with drugs (baclofen, benzodiazepines) or substances (e.g., alcohol) that act as CNS depressants.

Patients should be advised of the change in the absorption profile of tizanidine if taken with food and the potential changes in efficacy and adverse effect profiles that may result (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics).

Patients should be advised not to stop tizanidine suddenly as rebound hypertension and tachycardia may occur (see PRECAUTIONS: Discontinuing Therapy). Tizanidine should be used with caution where spasticity is utilized to sustain posture and balance in locomotion or whenever spasticity is utilized to obtain increased function. Because of the potential for the increased risk of serious adverse reactions including severe lowering of blood pressure and sedation when tizanidine and either fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin are used together, tizanidine should not be used with either fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin. Because of the potential for interaction with other CYP1A2 inhibitors, patients should be instructed to inform their physicians and pharmacists when any medication is added or removed from their regimen.

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/4/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.