Dantrium

Common Name: dantrolene

How does Dantrium work?

Dantrolene belongs to a group of medicines known as muscle relaxants. Dantrolene capsules are used to treat people with chronic muscle spasms caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injury. Dantrolene helps these symptoms by preventing contractions or spasms of the muscles. Dantrolene capsules may also be used before surgery for people at risk of malignant hyperthermia and for follow-up treatment of this condition. Malignant hyperthermia is a syndrome of muscle rigidity and greatly increased body temperature that can be caused by a reaction to certain anaesthetics. If left untreated, malignant hyperthermia can lead to death. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Dantrium?

The usual starting dose for adults is 25 mg once daily. The dose is then increased gradually until the best dose is found, based on individual response and needs. The best dose is the lowest dose that will control the muscle spasms. Most people respond to doses of 400 mg daily (given in divided doses, usually as 100 mg four times daily) or less. Children's dosing is based on body weight. Children should not be given doses higher than 100 mg four times daily. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be used on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, check with your health care professional. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Dantrium come in?

Dantrium® Capsules are available in strengths of 25 mg and 100 mg. 25 mg: Each orange and brown capsule, coded with one black bar and "DANTRIUM 25 mg 0149 0030", contains dantrolene 25 mg. 100 mg: Each orange and brown capsule, coded with three black bars and "DANTRIUM 100 mg 0149 0033", contains dantrolene 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: edible black ink, gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, starch, talc, titanium dioxide, carnauba wax, iron oxide red, FD&C Yellow No. 6, iron oxide yellow; may contain one or more of the following: FD&C Blue No. 2, D&C Red No. 33.

What should I NOT take with Dantrium?

Dantrolene capsules should not be used by people who: have poor lung function have active liver disease (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis) have a particular type of muscle spasm (one that, in the doctor's opinion, may actually help increase or maintain the person's ability to function) are allergic to dantrolene or any ingredients of the medication

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Dantrium?

Heart function: While taking this medication, people with heart disease should be closely monitored by their doctors. Liver injury: Dantrolene capsules may be toxic to the liver, or worsen existing liver damage. The risk of liver injury is greater for women, people over 35 years of age, and people taking other medications. If you have liver disease, talk to your doctor about whether you should use this medication. People using this medication will likely have liver tests before and during use. Occupational hazards: This medication may temporarily cause drowsiness, which may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. These effects should only last about a week. Avoid hazardous tasks for the first week of treatment. Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy, unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are or may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication. Breast-feeding: This medication should not be used by women who are breast-feeding. Children: Dantrolene capsules should not be used by children under five years of age, as the safety and effectiveness of the capsules has not been established for this age group.