| name | Dantrolene |
| Classification | Muscle Relaxant, Malignant Hyperthermia treatment |
| Pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1-2 hours. | | distribution | Distributed throughout the body, including the skeletal muscle. | | metabolism | Metabolized primarily in the liver. | | excretion | Excreted primarily in the urine as metabolites. |
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| suggested dosage | | note | Dosage varies significantly based on the specific condition and patient response. Always follow the prescribing physician's instructions. | | malignant hyperthermia | Usually initiated with IV boluses, then oral maintenance. Specific dosage guidelines depend on the severity and response. | | other indications | Dosage varies widely and must be individualized according to the indications. | | mg per kg | Not applicable for generalized dosing. Oral doses typically vary in the range of 25-100mg multiple times a day, IV doses are highly individualized and should be avoided without proper medical guidance. | | important note | Do not use Dantrolene unless prescribed and monitored by a physician due to potential risks and safety concerns. |
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| indications | | 1 | Malignant hyperthermia prophylaxis and treatment | | 2 | Spasticity (in cases where other medications are ineffective or unsuitable) | | 3 | Severe muscle spasms |
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| Safety in pregnancy | Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Adequate studies have not been performed in pregnant women. |
| Safety in breastfeeding | Not recommended during breastfeeding. Dantrolene is not known to be excreted significantly in breast milk, but potential effects on the nursing infant are unknown. |
| side effects | | 1 | Hepatotoxicity (liver damage) | | 2 | Muscle weakness | | 3 | Fatigue | | 4 | Drowsiness | | 5 | Nausea | | 6 | Vomiting | | 7 | Diarrhea | | 8 | Headache | | 9 | Constipation | | 10 | Skin rash | | 11 | Abdominal pain | | 12 | Peripheral neuropathy | | 13 | Weight loss or gain | | 14 | Blood dyscrasias | | 15 | Cardiac arrhythmias | | 16 | Anaphylaxis |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Severe hepatic impairment | | 2 | Hypersensitivity to dantrolene | | 3 | Severe heart failure | | 4 | Concomitant use with certain medications (consult pharmacist/physician) |
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| interactions | | 1 | Other muscle relaxants | | 2 | Benzodiazepines | | 3 | Calcium channel blockers | | 4 | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | | 5 | Many other medications (consult physician/pharmacist) |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Regular liver function tests are necessary during treatment. | | 2 | Monitor for signs and symptoms of hepatic toxicity and other side effects. | | 3 | Use with caution in patients with pre-existing hepatic disease, cardiac conditions, or other significant medical issues. | | 4 | Avoid use in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the drug. | | 5 | Patients should be monitored for signs of hepatotoxicity, including jaundice, and other side effects. | | 6 | Do not abruptly stop treatment if prescribed for a chronic condition. Tapering may be necessary. |
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| additional informations | Dantrolene is a specific treatment and should only be used under close medical supervision. |
| patient specific considerations | | age 25 weight 70kg | Dosage will be highly individualized based on specific medical conditions and the nature of treatment. | | general info | Patients should be well-informed about all potential risks and side effects. |
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