Zanaflex is a well-known muscle relaxant. The purpose of this article is to focus on Zanaflex, which helps alleviate symptoms of spasticity. Subsequently, we discuss what is Zanaflex, how it works to block pain in the injured spinal cord and achieve rapid relief from multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions.
One of the most prevalent complications following multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury, besides loss of function, is uncontrolled spasticity, which is characterised by muscle spasm and stiffness. Muscle spasms or cramps are the involuntary contractions that contribute to discomfort, pain, and mobility challenges, making even simple daily activities tough. According to research studies, the number of Americans living with the typical devastating neurological deficits and debilitating reflexes that develop after chronic spinal cord injury. After decades of clinical research, currently, there is no effective treatment option for acute or chronic spinal cord injury that targets the recovery of lost sensory motor function. Moreover, there have been a few advances in the treatment and management of the complications associated with chronic spinal cord injury. One of the medications often prescribed to manage the involuntary contractions is Zanaflex. Below is the detailed guide on Zanaflex medicine. Let’s examine the insights it offers for patients and caregivers.
About the product: What is Zanaflex?
The most commonly used medications that have been demonstrated to be the most effective in managing spasticity in research trials include Tizanidine (the main active component of Zanaflex), among others. Zanaflex is the brand-name medicine for Tizanidine. It is a prescription-based medication that belongs to the class of medications known as muscle relaxants, primarily used to manage muscle spasticity. It is commonly prescribed to people with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and certain brain or neurological conditions. The medication is available in tablet form, typically in strengths of 2 mg, 4mg, and 6 mg. It is not an over-the-counter drug; you need a doctor’s prescription to use it. Gain a detailed understanding of Zanaflex uses in the section below.
Uses: What does Zanaflex treat?
Zanaflex uses: Healthcare professionals typically prescribe Zanaflex for conditions involving muscle spasms, uncontrolled muscle tightness, and stiffness. Some common conditions include:
Multiple sclerosis: It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the CNS (central nervous system), which gradually results in severe neurological deficits. It is believed to be caused by an immune system dysfunction. The neurological disorder can have a severe impact on brain function, resulting in a range of symptoms. Muscle weakness, imbalance, walking difficulties, extreme fatigue, and numbness in limbs are commonly reported symptoms.
Spinal Cord Injuries: An injury to the spinal cord may affect the normal flow of signals from the nerves of the spinal cord to the brain. Because these signals are crucial for controlling muscle stiffness, disruption can cause persistent jerking, tightness of contraction, or stiffness in individuals with a spinal cord injury. Zanaflex 2 mg can provide relief.
Neurological disorders: Conditions like brain injuries, stroke, or nerve damage can also contribute to involuntary spasms that Tizanidine can help manage.
Mode of action: How Zanaflex works in the body?
How does Zanaflex work? Zanaflex medicine acts on the central nervous system. It contains the active ingredient Tizanidine, which targets the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor present in the spinal cord, relieving muscle spasms and stiffness by blocking excitatory neurotransmitters (chemical messengers that increase the likelihood of neuron firing or generating an action potential to transfer a message) that are responsible for excessive nerve signalling to muscles, ultimately causing the muscles to contract uncontrollably.
In simple terms, it can also be stated that Zanaflex calms the overactive nerve impulses that cause muscle tightening and spasms. As a result, muscles relax, stiffness is reduced, and movements are easier than before. Tizanidine is a short-acting medication; its effects are typically experienced between 1 and 3 hours after an individual takes it, making it suitable for activities or situations where temporary muscle relaxation is needed, such as daily mobility or physical therapy sessions.
Benefits of using Zanaflex
- Relieves muscle spasms: The most significant benefit of using Zanaflex under medical supervision is its ability to reduce painful spasms and associated stiffness in individuals with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. The muscle relaxant medicine can cause significant improvement in mobility, hence providing much-needed comfort.
- Enhance quality of life:By reducing stiffness associated with muscle spasm, Zanaflex medicine makes daily simple activities much easier. You can walk, dress up or exercise with less discomfort. This enhances independence and emotional well-being.
- Flexible dosing: Since Zanaflex is a short-acting medication, it can be taken at a specific time when muscle relaxation is needed. For example, an individual can take the muscle relaxant before bedtime to reduce nighttime spasms or before physical therapy to support mobility.
- Alternative to long-term muscle relaxant: Some individuals may not respond well to certain long-acting muscle relaxants or may develop adverse effects. Zanaflex follows a different mode of action for muscle relaxation, making it a suitable alternative in some cases.
Dosage and Administration: How to use Zanaflex?
Zanaflex is administered orally as 2 mg, 4mg, and 6 mg tablets. Zanaflex dosage typically starts with 2 mg orally and may be repeated every 6 to 8 hours as needed. The dose may be gradually increased to 2 to 4 mg per dose, administered every 1 to 4 days, until a significant reduction in spasticity is observed. Maximum dosing in three doses every 24 hours, up to 36 mg a day. If the muscle relaxant is used for more than nine weeks or higher doses are administered, ranging from 20 mg to 36 mg daily, the dose should be altered gradually by a healthcare professional. The recommendation is to change the Zanaflex dosage to 2 mg to 4 mg a day to minimise the risk of tachycardia, hypertension and increased spasticity. Patients can take this medication with food or on an empty stomach. Here, it is essential to note that the extent of absorption is greater when the substance is consumed with food. In addition, smoking may decrease Tizanidine’s concentration and exposure in the blood.
Side effects: What are the possible Zanaflex side effects?
Zanaflex can also cause side effects like any other medication. Some are mild and temporary, while others require a medical emergency. The commonly reported Zanaflex side effects are drowsiness, sleepiness, dry mouth, fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness, nausea, and stomach upset.
Less common Zanaflex side effects include low blood pressure (hypotension, abnormal liver function, hallucination, confusion, or slow heart rate. Due to these complications, patients are often closely monitored for their blood pressure and liver function.
Takeaway
Zanaflex is a valuable muscle relaxant that relieves stiffness and provides relief from discomfort. It is specifically effective in treating muscle spasms and stiffness, which are commonly associated with conditions like spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and neurological disorders. Anyone considering or already prescribed Zanaflex should follow their doctor’s guidance closely, take it consistently, and never skip the dosage advised by their doctor. Moreover, to learn more about what is Zanaflex, please consult a doctor.
