Zanflex medication is contraindicated if a person is allergic to any of the ingredients in Zanaflex or if a person is taking ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine.

If you find that you have any of these conditions, you will need to contact a doctor or health care professional.

Before you use generic Zanaflex, you should be aware that some medical conditions may interact with Zanaflex.

Let you physician or pharmacist know if you have any medical conditions, especially any of the following:

- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding;
- if you use any type of medication, prescription or nonprescription, including herbal preparations or dietary supplements;
- if you are allergic to medicines, foods, or other substances;
- if you have liver or kidney problems or prostate ailments.

There is a possibility of other medications INTERACTING with Zanaflex. Because the risk of side effects occurring when Zanaflex is used, let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications, especially:  Acyclovir, antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, mexiletine, propafenone), cimetidine, famotidine, fluvoxamine, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), ticlopidine, verapamil, or zileuton.

The list of interactions may not be complete. Be sure to question your doctor if Zanaflex will interact with other medicines you are taking. Talk to your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of this medication.

How to use Zanaflex:

Take Zanaflex exactly as your doctor prescribed it. Read the information on the medicine’s label for exact dosage instructions.

Take Zanaflex orally.

The food you eat may change the way in which your body absorbs the medication Zanaflex. Make certain you talk to your physician to figure out the best way to take your dosage, particularly when modifications to your dosage are being considered, or if you are getting a prescription for an alternative type of Zanaflex (e.g. tablets or capsules).

Don’t stop taking Zanaflex all at once. If you have to quit taking Zanaflex, your physician will slowly lessen your dosage to avert symptoms of withdrawal, such as elevated blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, tremor, anxiety and muscle tension.

If you forget to take a dose of Zanaflex, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and resume your regular dosing schedule. You should not take a double dose.

Check with your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about Zanaflex.

Critical safety information:

Lightheadedness, fainting, drowsiness or dizziness, might occur while taking Zanaflex. These effects can worsen if you take this medication at the same time as alcohol or certain other medications. Be careful when using Zanaflex. Don’t drive or operate any machinery until you know how you react to the medication.

When using Zanaflex, avoid using alcohol or medicines that may cause drowsiness, such as sleep aids or muscle relaxants, as their effects may be more pronounced. Talk to your pharmacist if you are unsure which medications might cause drowsiness.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur as a result of using Zanaflex and these symptoms may be more pronounced with alcohol use, hot weather, exercise or fever. To avoid these symptoms, rise slowly from a sitting or standing position, especially first thing in the morning. Sit or lie down immediately if you experience these side effects.

Only switch from tablet to capsule form of Zanaflex if permitted by your physician. If you switch from one form of the medication to another, you may experience an increased risk of side effects. If you receive a form of Zanaflex that differs from what you have been taking, check with your physician or pharmacist before taking it.

Inform your physician or dentist that you are on Zanaflex prior to any medical or dental care, emergency treatment or surgery.

Check with your physician before taking more than the prescribed dose, or if you take it longer than it was prescribed for.

Lab tests, like liver tests, might be done when you use Zanaflex. You can be safely monitored for side effects with these tests. Maintain all doctor and lab scheduled appointments.

There needs to be extreme caution used when an ELDERLY person takes Zanaflex because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Zanaflex should not be given to CHILDREN; safety and usefulness for children has not been determined.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:

It has not been determined if Zanaflex can harm the fetus. You should consult your doctor if you become pregnant. You must discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Zanaflex while you are pregnant. It has not been determined if Zanaflex can be passed to a nursing infant in breast milk. Speak with your doctor if you are currently, or anticipate, breast feeding while taking Zanaflex. Be sure to talk about any potential problems that it could cause for your baby.
Possible side effects of Zanaflex:

There are many medicines that might cause side effects, but most people experience very few or no side effects.

A person should consult his/her doctor if the COMMON side effects are prolonged like, dizziness; flushing; tiredness; weakness, constipation; drowsiness; or dry mouth.

Get immediate medical care if any of the following dangerous Zanaflex side effects arise: Acute allergic reactions (rash; hives; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; inflammation of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); altered moods, disposition, or behavior; hysteria; amplified muscle spasms; muscle fatigue; decreased heart rate; problems urinating or loss of bladder function; urinary tract infection; yellowing of the skin or the eyes.

There are other possible side effects not listed here. Contact your physician if you have concerns about side effects.

Correct storage for Zanaflex medicine:  Keep Zanaflex at a temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). You can briefly store it between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Keep away from light, heat, and moisture. Don’t keep it in the bathroom. Zanflex should be stored away from children and pets.

Baisc information:

If a person wants to know about Zanaflex, he/she should consult the health care provider, pharmacist, or the doctor.

Zanaflex should only be used by the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not share your medication with other people.

Check in with your physician if your symptoms do not get better or become worse.

This information should be considered only as a summary. It does not contain all available information about Zanaflex. Ask your physician, pharmacist or other medical professional if you have any questions regarding the medicine you are taking or if you want more information about it.