Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Zanaflex is a short-acting medication, and its effects will be most noticeable between 1 and 6 hours after you take it. This medication should be taken only for daily activities that require relief from muscle spasticity.

In most cases, you may take up to three doses in one day if needed. Allow 6 to 8 hours to pass between doses.

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about taking this medication with or without food. Taking Zanaflex tablets with food can increase the levels of Zanaflex in your blood stream, but taking Zanaflex capsules with food can decrease the levels.

Switching between Zanaflex 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 Zanaflex, contact your doctor if you notice any change in how well the medicine works or if it causes increased side effects.

Do not take more than three doses (36 mg) in a 24-hour period. Too much of this medication can damage your liver.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

You may have withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, fast heart rate, tremors, anxiety, and increased spasticity when you stop using Zanaflex after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Store Zanaflex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Before taking Zanaflex

Do not use Zanaflex if you are allergic to tizanidine, or if you are also taking the antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox), or the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

Before using Zanaflex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• high or low blood pressure; or
• a history of "Long QT syndrome."