Dantrolene Sodium

Generic Details

Generic Name

Dantrolene Sodium

Other Names

  • Dantrium

Drug Class

  • Skeletal muscle relaxant

Chemical Formula

C14H9N4NaO5

Molecular Weight

336.223 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Acts directly on skeletal muscle by interfering with the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Indications

  • Treatment of spasticity resulting from upper motor neuron disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury
  • Malignant hyperthermia crisis
  • Prevention of malignant hyperthermia in susceptible individuals

Common Dosage Forms

  • Oral capsules
  • Parenteral injection

Typical Dosage

  • 25-100 mg orally 3-4 times a day, gradually increasing based on response
  • Initial dose of 1 mg/kg intravenously in malignant hyperthermia crisis, then 1 mg/kg every 5 minutes as needed

Pediatric Dosage

  • Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on weight and condition

Geriatric Dosage

  • Lower initial doses may be required due to decreased metabolism and clearance

Side Effects

  • Muscle weakness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Hepatotoxicity

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to dantrolene
  • Active liver disease

Pregnancy Category

  • C - Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks

Lactation Safety

  • Not recommended, excretion in breast milk unknown

Drug Interactions

  • Potential for increased effects with other CNS depressants
  • May increase the risk of hepatotoxicity when combined with other hepatotoxic drugs

Overdose Symptoms

  • Severe muscle weakness
  • Respiratory depression
  • Hepatotoxicity

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, treatment is supportive and symptomatic

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly and well absorbed orally
  • Distribution: Wide distribution in the body, crosses the blood-brain barrier
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites
  • Excretion: Primarily excreted in urine as metabolites

Precautions

  • Monitor liver function tests regularly during therapy
  • Use with caution in patients with a history of liver disease or disorders

Warnings

  • Potential for hepatotoxicity, especially with long-term use
  • Discontinue use if liver dysfunction is suspected

Others

  • It is important to promptly report any signs of hepatotoxicity such as jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, or unexplained fatigue to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.