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Uses of Zanaflex:

Muscle spasms are treated with Zanaflex. Your doctor may prescribe generic Zanaflex for other conditions. Zanaflex is known as a skeletal muscle relaxant. It is effective because it blocks nerves that are used to stimulate muscles into contraction.

Zanaflex should NOT be used if a person is allergic to any ingredient in Zanaflex or if he/she is taking ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine.

You should get in touch with your health care provider or physician immediately if these circumstances pertain to you.

Before you use generic Zanaflex, you should know that there are some medical conditions that may have interactions with Zanaflex.

Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following pertain to you:

- if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding;
- if you are taking prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal products, or dietary supplements;
- if you are allergic to medicines, foods, or other things;
- if you suffer from liver, kidney or prostate difficulties.

Some medications may cause an INTERACTION with Zanaflex. When a person is taking other medicines, he/she should tell his/her health care provider, as medicines like cimetidine, famotidine, fluvoxamine, hormonal contraceptives, Acyclovir, antiarrhythmics, quinolone antibiotics, ticlopidine, verapamil, or zileuton may enhance the side effects of Zanaflex.

There could be additional interactions. Check with your physician about Zanaflex interacting with other medicines you are taking. Before you start, stop or alter the dose of any drug, you should consult with your health care provider.

How to use Zanaflex:

Use Zanaflex exactly as your doctor has prescribed it. While using Zanaflex, a person should see the label on the medicine for correct dosing instructions.

Use Zanaflex orally.

Your body may absorb and use Zanaflex differently depending upon what you have eaten. A person has to consult the doctor to know about the proper method of taking the dose, particularly when there is a change in the dose or a different dose form of Zanaflex is prescribed.

It is a bad idea to quit Zanaflex suddenly. If you have to quit using Zanaflex, your doctor will slowly decrease your dose to avoid problems with withdrawal, such as elevated blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, shakiness, nervousness, and tense muscles.

Take a missed dose of Zanaflex as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time to take the next one, the missed dose should not be taken and the regular dosing schedule should be followed. Two doses should not be taken at the same time.

A person should ask his/her doctor as to how to use Zanaflex.

Important Safety Information:

Zanaflex might cause lightheadedness, or fainting, drowsiness, or dizziness. The side effects of Zanaflex may worsen if taken with certain other medicines or alcohol. Zanaflex should be used with caution. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you have had a chance to see how you will respond to Zanaflex.

Medications that cause drowsiness as well as alcohol may increase the effects of Zanaflex.  For this reason, they should be avoided while taking Zanaflex. A person can find outfrom his/her pharmacist which medicines might cause drowsiness.

Zanaflex might make you dizzy, lightheaded, or faint; alcohol, hot temperatures, exercising, or a fever might make the effects worse. To prevent them, sit up or stand carefully, specifically in the morning. As soon as you feel any of these symptoms, you should sit down or lie down.

A person should not change over from the tablet to capsule forms of Zanaflex until he/she is advised by the doctor. When a person takes one form of Zanaflex and changes to another form, there might be an increase in the side effects. Inquire with your doctor or pharmacist before you use another version of Zanaflex instead of the version you were taking before.

If you need surgery, medical or dental care, or emergency care, you should be sure your provider knows that you are taking Zanaflex.

Never ingest more than the suggested dose or take for a longer duration than prescribed without asking your doctor.

Liver tests or other laboratory tests might be performed when you use Zanaflex. These tests will help monitor your condition or ascertain side effects. Make sure to go to all doctor and lab appointments.

ELDERLY people should use Zanaflex carefully, as they may be sensitive to its side effects.

CHILDREN should not use the muscle relaxant, Zanaflex, as its effectiveness and safety in children are not guaranteed.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:

It has not been determined if Zanaflex can harm the fetus. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor. When a person is pregnant, the risk and benefits of taking Zanaflex should be discussed. It has not been determined if Zanaflex can pass through breast milk. Consult with your physician if you are or will be breast-feeding while taking Zanaflex. Talk about potentials risks to your child.

Possible side effects of Zanaflex:

There are many medicines that have side effects, but people using Zanaflex may experience few or no effects.

You should inform your doctor if you experience any of these COMMON side effects: weakness, constipation, tiredness, dizziness, flushing, dry mouth, or drowsiness.

Medical treatment must be sought when the following Zanaflex side effects occur: change in emotions, mood, or behavior; severe allergic reactions; increased muscle spasms; hallucinations; muscle weakness; slow heartbeat; urinary tract infection; trouble urinating or lack of bladder control; or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a full list of all potential side effects. If you have any concerns about side effects, check with your physician.

Correct storage of Zanaflex medicine:

Zanaflex should be stored at 77 degrees F or at 25 degrees C. Zanaflex can be stored for a short period at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F or 15 and 30 degrees C. Store the medication away from heat, light and moisture. Zanaflex should not be kept in the bathroom. Store Zanaflex away from children and pets.

Basic information:

If you have inquiries about Zanaflex, please discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or another medical care provider.

Only the patient who has been prescribed Zanaflex should take it. Do not give your medication to other individuals.

When there is no improvement in the symptoms or they worsen while using Zanaflex, the doctor should be advised.

This information is just a brief description. It doesn’t provide complete information regarding Zanaflex. Should you have inquiries about the drug you are taking or wish additional information, ask your physician, pharmacist or another health care provider.