The white oval pill with the imprint R180 has been identified as Tizanidine Hydrochloride 4 mg supplied by Par Pharmaceutical Inc.. Tizanidine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of tizanidine, an imidazoline derivative structurally similar to clonidine and an adrenergic agonist with muscle relaxant property.
Tizanidine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of tizanidine, an imidazoline derivative structurally similar to clonidine and an adrenergic agonist with muscle relaxant property. Tizanidine stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system, thereby inhibiting presynaptic release of norepinephrine and increasing the inhibitory effect on alpha motor neurons and motor reflexes. This reduces the activity of nerves in the spinal cord that control muscles and helps to reduce muscle spasms.
Why is R 180 pill prescribed?
R 180 pill is used to relieve the spasms and increased muscle tone caused by multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease in which the nerves do not function properly and patients may experience weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control), stroke, or brain or spinal injury. Tizanidine (R 180 pill) is in a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants.
How should R 180 pill be used?
R 180 pill is usually taken consistently either always with or always without food two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take R 180 pill exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Tizanidine capsules may be opened and sprinkled on soft foods such as applesauce. Talk to your doctor before opening the capsules because the effects of the medication when used in this manner may be different than when swallowing the capsule whole.
The medication in the capsule is absorbed differently by the body than the medication in the tablet, so one product cannot be substituted for the other. Each time you have your prescription filled, look at the tablets or capsules in the bottle and make sure that you have received the right product. If you think you received the wrong medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of tizanidine and gradually increase your dose, depending on your response to this medication.
Do not stop taking R 180 pill without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking R 180 pill, your heart may beat faster and you may have increased blood pressure or tightness in your muscles. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What side effects can R 180 pill cause?
R 180 pill may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- weakness
- nervousness
- depression
- vomiting
- tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, and feet
- dry mouth
- constipation
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- increased muscle spasms
- back pain
- rash
- sweating
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- nausea
- extreme tiredness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- lack of energy
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- unexplained flu-like symptoms
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist
- slow heartbeat
- changes in vision
Tizanidine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to tizanidine. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. You Can Find More Information On: What Drugs Interact With Tizanidine (Zanaflex)?
