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Dantrolene review
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Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant used to relieve tension in certain muscles. It is primarily used to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, cerebral palsy (CP), and spinal injury such as muscle spasms, cramps, and general tightness. It does not cure these conditions but does treat these symptoms resulting from the disorders and can improve one’s condition especially in conjunction with other treatment such as physical therapy.
Dantrolene is also useful in the treatment of malignant hyperthermia (MH) – a condition which may occur post-surgery or after administration of anesthesia. Malignant hyperthermia is experienced as an extremely high fever, irregular heartbeats, and breathing problems.
The drug is marketed as Dantrium in North America, and Dantrolen in Europe by Procter & Gamble. It is available in both oral capsule and in vials for injection.
Dantrolene is administered intravenously to deal with sudden outbursts of symptoms of malignant hyperthermia such as sudden muscle cramps, spasms and contractions. Some other symptoms treatable by dantrolene include irregular heartbeats, unusually fast breathing, and increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
The capsule preparation on the other hand is used to relieve muscular stiffness and pain resulting from other conditions such cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. It may even be prescribed by doctors to treat certain cases of high fevers.
For the oral medication, it usually prescribed to be initially taken once a day and then gradually increased up to 2 to 4 times each day. If you find it difficult to swallow capsules, the contents of the capsules may be dissolved in fruit juice and taken together to facilitate the medication. Dantrolene must be taken exactly as your doctor instructs you to and read the instructions accompanying the medication. The doctor may instruct you to cease medication if positive results are not seen in 45 days.
If used specifically for pre-operation prevention of potential MH, the dose is often dependent on the patient’s body weight – at around 4 to 8 mg/kg/day of oral dantrolene usually distributed in 3 to 4 doses 1 or 2 days before surgery. The last dose before operation should be given with water at least 3 to 4 hours before the surgery.
If using the intravenous preparation for treating the sudden onset of MH, a rapid administration of dantrolene is advised. Starting from a dose of 1mg/kg, it should be increased up to a maximum of 10mg/kg until symptoms subside.
Post-MH-episode treatments for either intravenous or oral dantrolene follow similar doses, but consult your doctor for details.
Side effects may stomach disorders such as diarrhea or constipation, general fatigue or dizziness. Other less frequent side effects which may require medical attention includes irregular heartbeat, depression, abnormal hair growth, rashes, problems in urination and hypersensitivity.
Dantrolene may cause severe liver problems in some cases. These adverse effects can occur more often particularly in larger doses exceeding 800mg per day. Women over 35 years of age also seem to have a greater risk for liver damage. Discontinue use of the drug after 45 days if no improvement is observed. Inform your doctor of any of the following symptoms: jaundice, passing dark-colored urine, extreme stomach or abdominal pain, and unusual fatigue.
Dantrolene has the following structural formula:
• Molecular formula of dantrolene is C14H10N4O5
• Chemical IUPAC Name is 1-[[5-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-furyl]methylideneamino]imidazolidine-2,4-dione
• Molecular weight is 314.253 g/mol
Brand name(s): Dantrium, Dantroleno, Dantrolenum
Review published on: 10 July 2009
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