What is tizanidine?

Tizanidine is a short-acting muscle relaxer. It works by blocking nerve impulses (pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.

Tizanidine is used to treat spasticity by temporarily relaxing muscle tone.

Tizanidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Tizanidine is a short-acting medication that should be taken only for daily activities that require relief from muscle spasticity.

You should not take tizanidine if you are also taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

Do not use tizanidine at a time when you need muscle tone for safe balance and movement during certain activities. In some situations, it may endanger your physical safety to be in a state of reduced muscle tone.

Switching between tablets and capsules, or changing the way you take it with regard to eating, can cause an increase in side effects or a decrease in therapeutic effect. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. After making any changes in how you take tizanidine, contact your doctor if you notice any change in how well the medicine works or if it causes increased side effects.

The recommended starting dose of tizanidine is 2 mg every 6 to 8 hours, up to a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours. Do not take more than 36 mg of tizanidine in a 24-hour period. Too much of this medicine can damage your liver. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, other muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by tizanidine.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of this medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use tizanidine if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you also take the antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox); or

• you also take the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

To make sure tizanidine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease; or

• low blood pressure.

It is not known whether tizanidine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Tizanidine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to tizanidine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• weak or shallow breathing;

• confusion, hallucinations; or

• pain or burning when you urinate.

Common tizanidine side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;

• feeling nervous;

• blurred vision;

• flu-like symptoms;

• dry mouth, trouble speaking;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• runny nose, sore throat;

• urination problems, painful urination;

• vomiting, constipation; or

• uncontrolled muscle movements.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. 

Disclaimer: Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.