Dantrium

The active ingredient in Dantrium is dantrolene sodium. Dantrium, as previously mentioned, acts as a muscle relaxant. Dantrium's exact mechanism of action is unknown, however, it is suspected to block the release of calcium in muscles, preventing contractions.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Dantrium. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Dantrium:

• Dantrium is typically taken 3 to 4 times daily with or without food.
• If you're using Dantrium to prevent malignant hyperthermia during surgery, be sure you understand when to start and when to stop. Usually, the final dose is taken three to four hours before the operation.
• Swallow the Dantrium capsules whole. Do not open, chew, or smash them. If you are having difficulty swallowing the capsules, please notify your provider.

The most common side effects of Dantrium include:

• Drowsiness or tiredness.
• Diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Blurred vision.
• Constipation.
• Light-headedness.
• Muscle weakness or muscle spasms.
• Drooling.
• Changes in blood pressure.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Dantrium. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Liver function issues include stomach bloating, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, and dark urine.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction include skin rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or neck.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Dantrium. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Dantrium, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• If you are allergic to Dantrium (dantrolene capsules), any component of Dantrium (dantrolene capsules), or any other medication, food, or substance. Tell your doctor about the allergies and the symptoms you had.
• If you have liver disease.
• If you're on diltiazem or verapamil.
• If spasticity allows you to maintain your equilibrium.
• This medication may increase the risk of liver issues. Liver damage has occasionally been life-threatening. This can happen at any time, but it typically occurs between the third and 12th months of treatment. Women, people over the age of 35, and those taking other medications are most likely to develop it. The risk is also increased when Dantrium (dantrolene capsules) is used in high doses, even for a short period. Your doctor will monitor your liver testing. This medicine should only be used for the purpose for which it was prescribed.
• Avoid driving and other occupations or activities that require you to be alert until you know how Dantrium (dantrolene pills) affects you.
• This medication may cause you to burn more readily. Take precautions if you will be in the sun. Tell your doctor if you get sunburnt easily while using this medication.
• Consult your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol or using other drugs or substances that increase CNS depression, impairment, sedation, and slow your reactions.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems (such as hepatitis, and cirrhosis), breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and heart problems.
• Until the relevance of these findings to humans is established, the combination of dantrolene sodium and calcium channel blockers is not recommended during the treatment of malignant hyperthermia.

Contraindications are certain health problems or situations in which a person should avoid taking a drug for safety reasons. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional since Dantrium is not safe for you to consume.

• Dantrium has only one contraindication: liver issues.

Dantrium may take around an hour and a half to start working. If you're taking Dantrium to avoid malignant hyperthermia before surgery, your doctor will advise you to take it 1 to 2 days before the procedure to give it time to work. Keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to drugs. If you're concerned about how soon Dantrium works for you, speak with your provider.

When Dantrium is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Opioid pain or cough relievers (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone)
• Alcohol
• Marijuana (cannabis)
• Drugs for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, zolpidem)
• Other muscle relaxants (e.g., carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine)
• Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine)

Typical dosage forms for Dantrium for chronic spasticity:

Adults: The typical starting dose is 25 mg taken orally once a day. If necessary, your practitioner may increase your dose each week. The normal maintenance dose is 25 to 100 mg three times per day. The highest dose is 100 mg taken four times per day.

Children (aged 5 and older): Your child's dose will be determined by their body weight. The typical starting dose is 0.5 mg/kg taken orally once daily. If necessary, your practitioner may increase your dose each week. The normal maintenance dose is 0.5 to 2 mg/kg (up to 100 mg) three times each day.

Malignant hyperthermia:

Your provider will calculate your dose based on your body weight. The normal daily dose is between 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg, taken orally in three to four divided doses. You will normally begin taking this medication one to two days before surgery. If you have a malignant hyperthermia episode, your doctor will recommend that you continue taking this medication for 1 to 3 days following surgery to avoid further occurrences.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the usual time. Do not increase the dosage to catch up.

Store the drug at room temperature in a dry, moisture-free environment. Do not store it in the bathroom; instead, keep it in a secure location out of reach of children.

Par Sterile Products, LLC is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures Dantrium.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Dantrium available.

There is no specific way to stop taking Dantrium. If you would like to stop, consult with your healthcare provider first.

It is not known if Dantrium will cause harm to a pregnant woman or her unborn child. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Dantrium as it passes through the breastmilk and could affect the baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed.