ABOUT THE DRUG:
Tizanidine, also sold under the trade names Zanaflex and Sirdalud (Sun Pharma) among several others, is a short acting muscle relaxer. It falls under the pain relief category of drugs as it functions by obstructing nerve impulses (pain sensations) that are sent to the brain
USES OF THE DRUG:
Tizanidine temporarily relaxes muscle tone and is used primarily in the treatment of spasticity caused by certain conditions (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury). This medication may also be used for conditions not listed here. Tizanidine pain relief medication (Zanaflex, Sirdalud) is a short acting drug that should be used only for day to day activities that need relief from muscle spasticity.
WORKING OF THE DRUG:
Tizanidine works by relaxing the muscles and treating spasms.
DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG IF YOU:
Are allergic to Tizanidine
Are allergic to other NSAID such as ibuprofen
Have severe headache along with the pain
Take alcohol
Are breast feeding
Have weakness in body
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:
TELL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU
Are suffering from Asthma / breathing problems
Notice any sudden vision changes
Are pregnant or planning to do so
Are breastfeeding
Have runny nose or have nasal polyps
Have Blood disorders or Anemia
Have Heart problems, Intestinal problems or Kidney problems
Have high Blood pressure
HOW MUCH TO TAKE THE DRUG?
The general recommended dose is one 2 mg tablet twice a day (morning and evening). The doctor will prescribe the no. of tablets or dose to be taken in a day. The Tablets may be taken with or without food. The dose and frequency needs to be adjusted to meet the needs of an individual patient. The lowest effective dose should be sought and used in every patient.
HOW TO TAKE THE DRUG?
Take Tizanidine pain relief medication exactly as directed by your doctor. All medications come with a patient leaflet with complete instructions and details. Refer it for any doubts. Do not alter the course of the medication in any way (do not take more or less than the prescribed dosage). Also do not take it after the period for which the medication was prescribed is over.
Take Tizanidine tablet with a full glass of water. It is a short acting drug which means its effects will be most noticeable between 1 and 6 hours after taking it. Allow 6 to 8 hours between two doses. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, increased heart rate, shaking, anxiety, and increased spasticity when you stop taking Tizanidine after a long period of use. Hence, a sudden discontinuation of this medication is not recommended. You may be advised to gradually decrease the dosage before you completely stop. Always store Tizanidine medication in a cool and dry place.
FOR HOW LONG TO TAKE?
Continue to take the drug for as long as the doctor recommends. It may take a few weeks to get properly benefitted by the drug. Do not stop taking the dose without the doctor?s prescription.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is taken in such a case contact a poison control room or visit nearest healthcare center. Symptoms of overdose may include:
Lack of energy
Drowsiness and stomach pain
Nausea and vomiting
Hives and rashes
Vomiting material that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Loss of consciousness
MISS DOSE:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However if it is too late then leave the dose and take the next scheduled dose on the correct time. But never double up the dose for the missed one.
SIDE EFFECTS OF SIRDALUD 2MG:
COMMON
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Light headedness
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Tiredness
If any of these conditions persist or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
VERY RARELY
• Persistent nausea
• Vomiting
• Severe stomach
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine,
• Jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin)
• Mood or behavior changes
• Vision changes
• Slow/irregular heartbeat
These are not all the possible side effects of Tizanidine. There may be others. If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking Tizanidine and seek emergency medical attention.In the above mentioned cases you must go for immediate medical help.
COMMON DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Ask your doctor to get the full list of the drugs needed to be avoided while taking the drug as they may interfere it and may cause adverse effects. Various drug interactions may increase your risk for serious side effects. You must not take Tizanidine if you are allergic to it or if you are taking the antidepressant fluvoxamine, or the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Certain drugs can interact with Tizanidine. You may not be able to take Tizanidine or may need special dose adjustments if you are taking any of these medications already: cimetidine, acyclovir, famotidine, ticlopidine, zileuton, birth control pills, certain antibiotics (enoxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, or others), blood pressure medications (clonidine, guanabenz, guanfacine, or methyldopa), or anti arrhythmics (amidarone, mexiletine, propafenone, or verapamil). Notify your doctor if you use any of these medicines already. Never start taking a new medicine without proper medical advice.
Inform your doctor about the non-prescription or over the counter drugs that may have pain killers like: Aspirin, NSAIDs such as Tizanidine, Ibuprofen or Ketorolac. Ask the doctor about using the aspirin if taking it in very low dose for preventing heart attack. Never, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
Keep Sirdalud readily available
Your skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally, so try to stay away from sunlight
Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness, while using this medicine
Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding
