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Zanaflex,
also known as Tizanidine, is
a muscle relaxant. Zanaflex
muscle relaxer (Tizanidine)
is used to treat increased muscle
tone associated with spasticity.
Muscle spasm of local origin
needs to be clinically differentiated
from spasticity and sustained
muscle contraction in the setting
of the central nervous system
(CNS) and upper motor neuron
injury.
Muscle relaxants are often prescribed
in the treatment of acute low
back pain in an attempt to improve
the initial limitations in range
of motion from muscle spasm
and to interrupt the pain-spasm-pain
cycle. Limiting muscle spasm
and improving range of motion
will prepare the patient for
therapeutic exercise.
Zanaflex muscle relaxer (Tizanidine)
may also be used for purposes
other than those related to
muscle injury. Check with your
doctor to see if Zanaflex is
right for your muscle condition.
How
it works:
The
muscle relaxing properties of
"muscle relaxants"
arise not from direct activity
at the muscular or neuromuscular
junction level but rather from
an inhibition of more central
polysynaptic neuronal (nerve
cells that end in synapses)
events. These agents have also
been shown in some studies to
demonstrate superior analgesia
to either acetaminophen or aspirin,
and it remains uncertain if
muscle spasm is a prerequisite
to their effectiveness as analgesics.
Simply stated, Zanaflex works
by blocking nerve impulses (or
pain sensations) that are sent
to your brain.
How
to Use:
Take
tizanidine exactly as directed
by your doctor. If you do not
understand these instructions,
ask your pharmacist, nurse,
or doctor to explain them to
you.
Important
Side Effect Information :
If
you experience any of the following
serious side effects, stop taking
tizanidine and seek emergency
medical attention: an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face;
or hives); hallucinations or
abnormal behavior; or liver
damage (yellowing of the skin
or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain
or discomfort, unusual bleeding
or bruising, severe fatigue).
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