Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic uses of Zanaflex as follows:
- Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter synthesized in human body. Upon release, norepinephrine can improve the conduction of nerve impulses to the skeletal muscles and thus increase the force of skeletal muscle contraction.
- Zanaflex is a medication that works by reducing the release of norepinephrine. Inhibition of norepinephrine release by zanaflex leads to inhibition of conduction of nerve impulses from the spinal cord to the muscles.
- Conduction of nerve impulse to the muscle results in muscle contraction. Inhibition of nerve impulse conduction from the spinal cord to the muscle with zanaflex leads to muscle relaxation.
Zanaflex can be used in clinical conditions for control of pain and relief of muscle spasticity and tightness as follows:
Brain and spinal cord injury
- Individuals with brain and spinal cord damage from mechanical injuries, work injuries, automobile accidents, and stroke present with intense muscle tightness and spasticity. Muscle spasticity can lead to contractures, rigidity, stiffness, and limited range of motion contributing to severe limitation of performance on activities of daily living, significant pain, and discomfort.
- Zanaflex intake in these individuals can help relieve the spasticity and tightness, relax the muscle, and contribute to relief of pain and stiffness.
Multiple sclerosis
- Individuals with multiple sclerosis present with intense muscle spasticity and tightness. Muscle spasticity can lead to contractures, rigidity, stiffness, and limited range of motion contributing to severe limitation of performance on activities of daily living, significant pain, and discomfort.
- Zanaflex intake in these individuals can help relieve the spasticity and tightness, relax the muscle, and contribute to relief of pain and stiffness.
