Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Dantrium

Generic Name: dantrolene (oral) (Pronunciation: DAN troe leen)

• What is dantrolene (Dantrium)?
• What are the possible side effects of dantrolene (Dantrium)?
• What is the most important information I should know about dantrolene (Dantrium)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dantrolene (Dantrium)?
• How should I take dantrolene (Dantrium)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Dantrium)?
• What happens if I overdose (Dantrium)?
• What should I avoid while taking dantrolene (Dantrium)?
• What other drugs will affect dantrolene (Dantrium)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is dantrolene (Dantrium)?

Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant.

Dantrolene is used to treat muscle spasticity (stiffness and spasms) caused by conditions such as a spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis.

Dantrolene is also used to prevent muscle stiffness and spasms caused by malignant hyperthermia (a rapid rise in body temperature) that can occur during surgery with certain types of anesthesia.

Dantrolene may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dantrium 25 mg

orange/peach, imprinted with DANTRIUM 25 mg, 0149 0030

Dantrolene 100 mg-GLO

red/yellow, imprinted with G443

Dantrolene 25 mg-GLO

green/yellow, imprinted with G441

Dantrolene 50 mg-GLO

blue/yellow, imprinted with G442

What are the possible side effects of dantrolene (Dantrium)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe diarrhea or constipation;
• weak or shallow breathing;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• trouble swallowing, especially if it causes choking;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• seizure (black-out or convulsions); or
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tired feeling;
• mild diarrhea or constipation;
• mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• problems with speech, balance, or walking;
• headache, confusion, vision problems;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• sweating, drooling; or
• urinating more than usual.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about dantrolene (Dantrium)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to dantrolene, or if you have liver disease such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.

You may be more likely to develop liver problems while taking dantrolene if you are a woman, or if you are older than 35. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

Do not use dantrolene at a time when muscle tone is needed to assure safe balance and movement for certain activities. In some situations, it may endanger your physical safety to be in a state of reduced muscle tone.

Before taking dantrolene, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, a breathing disorder such as COPD, heart disease, or a history of heart attack.

Dantrolene can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Dantrolene can cause muscle weakness, which can affect your ability to swallow. Use caution to prevent choking while you are eating meals. Talk with your doctor if you are unable to eat because of this side effect.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of dantrolene.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

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