IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Use caution when driving an automobile, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tizanidine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid potentially hazardous activities. Dizziness is most likely to occur when rising from a sitting or lying position. Therefore, rise slowly to prevent dizziness or falling. Be careful when using alcohol, other muscle relaxants, sleep or anxiety medicines, and pain medicines. These drugs may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking tizanidine. Do not take any other medicine during treatment with tizanidine without first consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

WHAT IT IS
Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. o Tizanidine is used to treat muscle spasm. Tizanidine may also have other uses than those listed here.

BEFORE USING
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, low blood pressure or are on medication to treat high blood pressure; or are taking birth control pills. You may not be able to use a course of tizanidine, or you may require a lower dosage or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. It is not known whether tizanidine will harm an unborn baby. Therefore, do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It has also not been determined whether tizanidine passes into breast milk. Subsequently, avoid taking tizanidine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION
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. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Tizanidine is usually taken several times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not take more than three doses of tizanidine--or more than 36 mg--in a 24 hour period. Too much of this medication can damage your liver. Store tizanidine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

SIDE EFFECTS
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). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take tizanidine and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness or dizziness; weakness; dry mouth; increased muscle tone or spasms; or sweating. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tizanidine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. o Birth control pills can amplify the effects of tizanidine. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills before starting treatment with tizanidine. Tizanidine may lower blood pressure. Make sure to inform your doctor if you are taking another medicine to lower blood pressure or a medicine to treat another heart condition. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tizanidine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

MISSED DOSE
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a tizanidine overdose are not well known but include unconsciousness and irregular breathing.