Zanaflex vs. Norflex

Are Zanaflex and Norflex the Same Thing?

Zanaflex (tizanidine hydrochloride) and Norflex (orphenadrine citrate) are muscle relaxants used to treat muscle tightness and cramping (spasm).

Zanaflex is used to treat muscle tightness and cramping caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal injury.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Zanaflex?

Common side effects of Zanaflex include:

  • anxiousness,
  • nervousness,
  • numbness or tingling,
  • stomach pain,
  • diarrhea,
  • constipation,
  • vomiting,
  • fever,
  • dry mouth,
  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • muscle weakness,
  • back pain,
  • increased muscle tone or spasms,
  • sweating,
  • skin rash, and
  • fatigue.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Norflex?

Common side effects of Norflex include:

  • dry mouth or throat,
  • headache,
  • dizziness,
  • drowsiness,
  • lightheadedness,
  • weakness,
  • blurred vision,
  • dilated pupils,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting, and
  • constipation.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Norflex including

  • fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats,
  • confusion,
  • anxiety,
  • agitation,
  • tremors,
  • hallucinations;
  • seizures (convulsions); or
  • urinating less than usual or not at all.

What Is Zanaflex?

Zanaflex is used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal injury.

What Is Norflex?

Norflex (orphenadrine citrate 100mg) is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms/pain. Norflex is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatment.

What Drugs Interact With Zanaflex?

Zanaflex may interact with alcohol. Zanaflex may also interact with different drugs including acyclovir, cimetidine, amotidine, ticlopidine, zileuton, birth control pills, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, or heart rhythm medications.

What Drugs Interact With Norflex?

Norflex may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor all the medications you use.

How Should Zanaflex Be Taken?

Zanaflex should be taken exactly as prescribed (consistently either with or without food) and not to switch between tablets and capsules. Inform patients that they should not take more Zanaflex than prescribed because of the risk of adverse events at single doses greater than 8 mg or total daily doses greater than 36 mg. Tell patients that they should not suddenly discontinue Zanaflex, because rebound hypertension and tachycardia may occur.

How Should Norflex Be Taken?

For adults, Norflex is dosed as one 2 mL ampul (60 mg) intravenously or intramuscularly; may be repeated every 12 hours.

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References

FDA. Zanaflex Product Information.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021447s011_020397s026lbl.pdf
FDA. Norflex Product Information.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/012157s028lbl.pdf

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