What is Dantrolene?
Dantrolene, a muscle relaxer, is used to treat muscle spasticity, which is caused by conditions like a spinal injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis. Dantrolene can also be used to treat or reduce muscle spasms and stiffness caused by malignant hyperthermia, a rapid increase in body temperature with severe muscle contractions that may occur during surgical procedures under certain types of sedation. Dantrolene can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Dantrolene
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, seek medical assistance immediately: hives, difficulty breathing and swelling in your lips, face, tongue or throat. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms: nausea, itching, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, or stools with clay colors. Jaundice. The most common time for these side effects to occur is between 3 and 12 months after starting dantrolene treatment.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe sleepiness
- Severe muscle weakness
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Severe or persistent nausea or diarrhea.
- Problems with speech or vision
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- A seizure;
- Feeling dizzy as though they could faint.
Dantrolene can cause a variety of side effects.
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Diarrhea;
- A weakness
- Feeling tired?
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for additional reporting purposes contact 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Baclofen, Botox, Lioresal, OnabotulinumtoxinA, Lyvispah, Gablofen, and Dantrium
Warnings
If you have an active liver condition, then you should not be taking dantrolene. Avoid taking dantrolene when you are doing certain activities that require muscle tone. Dantrolene may cause serious liver damage if taken in high doses. Don't take dantrolene for longer or in higher doses than recommended. If any of these symptoms appear, consult with a physician as soon as possible.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- Active liver disease, such as cirrhosis,
Don't take dantrolene when you require muscle tone to maintain balance and move safely during certain activities. It can be dangerous to have low muscle tone in certain situations. If you're a woman or older than 35 years old, you may be at greater risk of developing liver problems when using dantrolene. Your doctor can tell you more about the risk that applies to your situation.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Liver disease
- Heart disease, or a heart attack
- A breathing disorder, such as COPD.
This medicine is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed for 3 days after taking this medication. Dantrolene shouldn't be given to children younger than five years of age.
How to take Dantrolene?
You will be tested by your doctor to ensure that you are not suffering from any conditions that would make it unsafe for you to use dantrolene.Read and adhere to all instructions that accompany your medication.Sometimes your doctor will change the dose. Dantrolene may cause serious liver damage if taken in high doses or if used for a long time. Follow the instructions on the label. Use only the amount of water necessary to swallow a capsule if you are taking dantrolene 3 or 4 hours prior to surgery. If you are having trouble swallowing the dantrolene, tell your doctor. Your liver may require frequent blood tests. If your symptoms of muscle pain do not improve or worsen, call your doctor. Tell your surgeon if you plan to undergo surgery that you use dantrolene. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or fainting.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how dantrolene affects you. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries. Avoid tanning beds or exposure to the sun. Dantrolene may make you burn easier. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more.
Interaction with other drug
Do not use dantrolene in combination with drugs that cause sleepiness or slow breathing.
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Heart or blood pressure medications;
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that replaces hormones in the body.
- Birth control hormonal (pills or injections; skin patches or rings for the vaginal ring);
This list is incomplete. Dantrolene may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
