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Dantrolene Sodium - Learn about Dantrolene Sodium Side Effects and Precautions

Dantrolene Sodium Information

The pharmacology action of Dantrolene Sodium is that it affects contraction of muscle at site beyond myoneural junction and directly on muscle itself; believed to interfere with calcium release from sarcoplasmic reticulum. Affects CNS, causing drowsiness, dizziness, and generalized weakness.

Dantrolene Sodium control of spasticity associated with spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis; prophylaxis, treatment and postcrisis therapy of malignant hyperthermia. Management of exercise-induced muscle pain, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, heat stroke

Interaction and Contraindication of Dantrolene Sodium

Interaction of Dantrolene Sodium - Clofibrate:  Plasma protein binding of dantrolene reduced.
Estrogens:  Women receiving these may be at increased risk for hepatotoxicity.
Verapamil:  Hyperkalemia and myocardial depression possible.
Warfarin:  Plasma protein binding of dantrolene reduced

Contraindication of Dantrolene Sodium - Active hepatic disease; muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders; where spasticity is used to sustain upright posture and balance in locomotion or to obtain or maintain increased function.

Side Effects of Dantrolene Sodium

Here are the list of some common side effects of Dantrolene Sodium :

• Drowsiness; dizziness; weakness; general malaise; fatigue; speech disturbances; seizures; headache; lightheadedness; insomnia, mental depression or confusion; increased nervousness.
• Abnormal hair growth; acne-like rash; pruritus; urticaria (IV); eczematoid eruption; sweating; erythema (IV).
• Diarrhea; constipation; bleeding; anorexia; dysphagia; gastric irritation; abdominal cramps
• Increased urinary frequency; hematuria; crystalluria; difficult erection; urinary incontinence; nocturia; dysuria; urinary retention
• Myalgia; backache; chills; fever; feeling of suffocation; excessive tearing; thrombophlebitis (IV).

Precaution and Warning while taking Dantrolene Sodium

The precaution and warnings of Dantrolene Sodium drug is as follows:

• Emphasize importance of follow-up exams and laboratory work to monitor drug therapy.
• Instruct patient to report these symptoms to health care provider: weakness, malaise, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, skin rash, itching, bloody or black tarry stools, yellowish discoloration of skin.
• Instruct patient to avoid intake of alcoholic beverages or other CNS depressants.
• Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
• Caution patient to avoid exposure to sunlight and to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing to avoid photosensitivity reaction.
• Caution patient that dantrolene may decrease grip strength and increase weakness of leg muscles especially when walking down stairs.
• Advise patients to exercise caution in eating on day of administration because difficulty swallowing and choking is possible .

How to store Dantrolene Sodium

• Ensure good IV site using large peripheral vein; medication is very irritating to tissues.
• Reconstitute powder for IV infusion in 60 mL of sterile water without bacteriostatic agent.
• Shake until solution is clear.
• Store at room temperature for up to 6 hr. Protect from direct light.