Indications:
This is indicated along with other supportive measures in controlling clinical spasticity resulting from upper motor neuron disorders, such as in stroke, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis
This is also indicated, before and/or after surgery, to prevent malignant hyperthermia in patients susceptible for it.
Contraindications:
None
How to use dantrolene:
Dosage:
Malignant hyperthermia:
Adult and pediatric dose: 2.5 mg/kg IV, starting approximately 75 minutes before anesthesia and infused for over 1 hour. For oral doses, it is taken for 4 to 8 mg/kg/day in three or four divided doses for 1 to 2 days prior to surgery.
Chronic spasticity:
Adult:
25 mg orally once daily for 7 days, then
25 mg three times a day for 7 days, then
50 mg three times a day for 7 days, then
100 mg three times a day.
Pediatric:
0.5 mg/kg orally once daily for 7 days, then
0.5 mg/kg three times a day for 7 days, then
1 mg/kg three times a day for 7 days, then
2 mg/kg three times a day.
- Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using dantrolene.
- Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
- Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
- Take this medicine with a full glass of water. If you take dantrolene within 3 or 4 hours before surgery, use only enough water needed to swallow the pill.
While using dantrolene, you may need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.