A patient has localized muscle spasms after an injury. The prescriber has ordered tizanidine (Zanaflex) to alleviate the spasms. When obtaining the patient's health history, the nurse should be concerned about which of the following as a possible reason for considering another drug?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hepatotoxicity is a serious potential problem in a patient receiving tizanidine, because the drug can cause liver damage. Baseline liver enzymes should be obtained before dosing and periodically thereafter. Analgesic anti-inflammatory drugs commonly are used in conjunction with centrally acting muscle relaxants, so using aspirin is not a concern. This drug does not contribute to malignant hyperthermia. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol when taking this drug, but a history of occasional alcohol use is not a contraindication.

A Patient Has Localized Muscle Spasms After an Injury