Indications
Dantrium generically known as dantrolene sodium is a prescription medication used to treat spasticity (muscle stiffness and tightness) and cramping (spasms) caused by certain nerve disorders such as spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis, among others. Dantrolene is in a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants. It works by relaxing the muscles that are in spasm.
Dantrolene also has indications for the management of the fulminant hypermetabolism of skeletal muscle characteristic of malignant hyperthermia in patients undergoing general anesthesia for surgery. It is worth noting that Dantrium has a potential for hepatotoxicity and should only be used for the conditions recommended by a healthcare professional.
Uses and Dosage
To use Dantrium capsule, follow the dosage instructions carefully as directed on the prescription label by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take more or less of the medication or take it more frequently than prescribed. Dantrium has potential for liver damage, so it should be used only in conjunction with appropriate monitoring of liver function.
The recommended dosage of Dantrium tablets can vary depending on the medical condition being treated.
- For muscle spasticity, the lowest effective dose is typically 25 mg taken orally once a day for seven days. The dosage is then increased gradually to 25 mg taken orally three times a day for seven days, and then to 50 mg taken orally three times a day for seven days. The maximum dose for spasticity is typically 100 mg taken orally three times a day.
- For malignant hyperthermia, the dosage is weight-based and is determined by a physician. It is usually given three to four times a day, starting 1 or 2 days before surgery. The usual adult dosage is 2.5 mg/kg of body weight administered intravenously. The dose may be repeated every 5 to 10 minutes until the symptoms of malignant hyperthermia are controlled. After a malignant hyperthermia crisis, it is typically given in four divided doses for 1 to 3 days.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Dantrium (Dantrolene):
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Weakness
Serious Side Effects of Dantrium (Dantrolene):
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Itching
- lightheadedness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Painful or difficult urination
- Problems with vision or speech
- Seizures
- Severe drowsiness
- Severe muscle weakness
- Severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Tired feeling
- Upper stomach pain
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Form and Strength
Dantrium (Dantrolene) is available in the following forms and strength
Dantrium: Capsule
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
Caution
- Do not take Dantrolene to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
- Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
- Do not drive or operate machinery while you are taking Dantrolene.
- Dantrium causes drowsiness, dizziness and weakness in some people and therefore may affect alertness.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medicines to reduce anxiety or help you sleep.
- These may increase the drowsiness and dizziness effects of Dantrolene and should be avoided.
- Be careful of exposure to sunlight while being treated with Dantrolene.
- Dantrium may increase sensitivity of the skin to sun. Symptoms of sunburn (such as redness, itching, swelling, or blistering) may occur more quickly than normal.
- Do not take Dantrium Capsules if you have an allergy to any medicine containing dantrolene sodium hemiheptahydrate or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does Dantrium work?
Dantrium works by relaxing the muscles that are in spasm.
Is Dantrium safe for everyone to use?
Dantrium has a potential for hepatotoxicity and should only be used for the conditions recommended by a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about your individual medical history and any medications you are currently taking before starting treatment with Dantrium.
How is Dantrium administered?
Dantrium can be administered orally in capsule form, or intravenously in a solution for injection.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Dantrium?
If you miss a dose of Dantrium, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Resources
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682576.html
- https://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Dantrium-Capsules.aspx
- https://www.empr.com/drug/dantrium/
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/017443s043s046s048s049lbl.pdf
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=4df35098-8702-46be-ac67-30cfdf1aa570
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6742/dantrium-oral/details
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