Information about Dantrium (Dantrolene)
Dantrium is a brand name for Dantrolene, a medication primarily used to treat and manage muscle spasticity and malignant hyperthermia. Dantrolene is a direct-acting muscle relaxant that works by interfering with muscle contraction.
Product Highlights
- It is used for managing muscle spasticity and for emergency treatment of malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening condition triggered by certain anesthetics.
- Dantrolene works by inhibiting the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells, which reduces muscle contraction.
- An acute, life-threatening condition often triggered by exposure to certain general anesthetics, characterized by a rapid increase in body temperature and severe muscle contractions.
- Used to manage chronic spasticity associated with conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Provides a critical intervention in cases of malignant hyperthermia, helping to lower body temperature and reduce muscle rigidity.
- Helps alleviate muscle spasticity in conditions like cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, improving mobility and comfort.
- When administered intravenously, Dantrolene can act quickly to counteract malignant hyperthermia.
Direction of Use
- Dantrium is available in oral capsules for long-term management and as an injectable form for acute treatment.
- For malignant hyperthermia, the dosage is typically administered intravenously as soon as the condition is recognized, with a dose adjusted based on patient response. For muscle spasticity, the usual oral dose starts at 25 mg, gradually increasing to an effective dose as tolerated.
- For chronic muscle spasticity, it should be taken consistently as prescribed, while for malignant hyperthermia, administration is based on emergency needs.
Safety Concerns
- Common side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Can include liver toxicity, which may manifest as jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, or severe liver damage. Muscle weakness and respiratory depression are also potential serious effects.
- Regular liver function tests are required to monitor for signs of liver damage, especially with long-term use.
Avoid Dantrium (Dantrolene) If
- If you have severe liver disease or a history of liver problems, as Dantrolene can cause or exacerbate liver damage.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, since the effects on the fetus or infant are not fully known.
- If you have severe respiratory disorders, as Dantrolene may cause or worsen breathing difficulties.
- If you have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Dantrolene or any of its components.
