Dantrolene (Na)

Dantrolene is used to treat muscle stiffness or twitching caused by conditions such as a spinal cord injury , stroke, cerebral palsy , or multiple sclerosis . Dantrolene is also used to treat or prevent muscle stiffness or twitching caused by malignant hyperthermia (a rapid increase in body temperature and severe muscle contractions) that can occur during surgery with certain types of anesthesia . Dantrolene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dantrolene is used to treat muscle stiffness or twitching caused by conditions such as a spinal cord injury , stroke, cerebral palsy , or multiple sclerosis . Dantrolene is also used to treat or prevent muscle stiffness or twitching caused by malignant hyperthermia (a rapid increase in body temperature and severe muscle contractions) that can occur during surgery with certain types of anesthesia . Dantrolene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use dantrolene if you are allergic to it, or if you have hepatitis, cirrhosis , or other liver disease . You should also not take dantrolene at a time when you need muscle tone for safe balance and movement during certain activities. In some situations, it may be dangerous for you to have reduced muscle tone. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had: heart disease or a heart attack ; or a breathing disorder such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not known if dantrolene will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not use dantrolene if you are breastfeeding. Dantrolene should not be given to a child younger than 5 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Dantrolene may cause life-threatening liver damage, especially if you take high doses or take the medicine long-term. Call your doctor at once if you have signs of liver problems: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Also call your doctor at once if you have: weak or shallow breathing; severe or ongoing diarrhea; problems with vision or speech; painful or difficult urination; seizure, a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; trouble swallowing, loss of appetite; depression , confusion, nervousness; stomach bleeding --bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; heart problems --swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, fast heart rate , irregular blood pressure; or low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath. Common side effects of dantrolene may include: dizziness, drowsiness ; diarrhea; weakness; or feeling tired. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dantrolene may cause life-threatening liver damage, especially if you take high doses. Do not take dantrolene in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Dantrolene may cause life-threatening liver damage, especially if you take high doses. Do not take dantrolene in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

0.357 to 5.714 mg/kg (3 (3.0355)) As recommended. PO — Per Week for 7 Weeks. Scraped Dose — Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. If you take dantrolene within 3 or 4 hours before surgery, use just enough water needed to swallow the capsule. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing dantrolene. You may need frequent blood tests to check your liver function. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 45 days, or if they get worse. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using dantrolene. Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

500 mg/kg (500 (500)) 1 hourly Increased gradually if necessary to 2mg/kg 3 or 4 times daily but a dose of 100 mg 4 times a daily —

No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

Using dantrolene with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: a heart or blood pressure medication called a calcium channel blocker; birth control pills and other hormones; or vecuronium (muscle relaxer used during medical procedures ). This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect dantrolene, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products . Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Caps Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C. Protect from Moisture and Heat.