Dantrolene
Administration
- Type: Skeletal muscle relaxant
- Dosage Forms:
- Routes of Administration: IV, oral
- Common Trade Names: Dantrium
Adult Dosing
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- 0.25-2mg/kg IV q6-12hr
- Max dose 10mg/kg/day
Pediatric Dosing
- Same as above
Special Populations
- Pregnancy Rating: C
- Lactation risk: Infant risk cannot be ruled out
- Renal dosing: no adjustment
- Hepatic dosing: contraindicated in acute hepatitis or active cirrhosis
Contraindications
- Allergy to class/drug
- Acute hepatitis or active cirrhosis
Adverse Reactions
Serious
- Hepatotoxicity
- GI bleed
- Aplastic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, small lymphocytic lymphoma
- Muscle weakness, dysphagia, reduced vital capacity, dyspnea
Common
- Flushing
- Somnolence, fatigue, malaise
- Nausea, diarrhea
Pharmacology
- Half-life: 10.8h
- Metabolism: Hepatic
- Excretion:
Mechanism of Action
- Interferes with release of calcium ions from sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle, which results in dissociation of the excitation-contraction coupling