Can I take Fexofenadine and Tizanidine together?

Why this happens

This is a 'pharmacodynamic' interaction. Both drugs can affect the central nervous system and have 'anticholinergic' properties (causing dryness). When taken together, their individual side effects can add up, making you feel more tired or dizzy than usual.

What you should do

You can take these medicines together, but you should be cautious. Monitor how you feel, especially when you first start the combination. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel particularly sleepy or dizzy. If these side effects become bothersome, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Important precautions

Liver disease

Tizanidine can cause serious liver damage; it must not be used if you have significant liver problems and requires regular blood tests to monitor liver function.

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Tizanidine can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting or dizziness; this risk is significantly increased if taken with certain antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin) or antidepressants (like fluvoxamine).

Stopping treatment suddenly

Do not stop taking tizanidine suddenly. Doing so can cause a rapid rise in blood pressure and heart rate. Your dose must be reduced gradually.

Indigestion remedies (antacids)

Do not take indigestion remedies containing aluminium or magnesium within 2 hours of taking fexofenadine. These can lower the amount of medicine your body absorbs.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

While fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine, it is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking it. Combining the two can increase the risk of side effects like dizziness or sleepiness, and may affect your ability to perform tasks safely.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking tizanidine. Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative effects of this medicine, making you feel extremely drowsy or dizzy, and increases the risk of falls or accidents.

Fruit juices (Grapefruit, Orange, Apple)

Drinking fruit juices, particularly grapefruit, orange, or apple juice, can significantly reduce the amount of fexofenadine absorbed by your body. This makes the medicine less effective. It is best to take fexofenadine with water and avoid drinking these juices for at least 2 hours before or after taking your dose.

Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy drinks)

Caffeine can interfere with how your body breaks down tizanidine, which may increase the levels of the medicine in your blood. This can lead to an increased risk of side effects like low blood pressure, dizziness, or extreme sleepiness.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.