Dantrolene Oral
Conditions Treated
Dantrolene, a muscle relaxant, is used to treat spasticity or muscle spasms associated with spinal cord injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or other conditions. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Possible Side Effects
What Side Effects Can This Cause?
Dantrolene may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- muscle weakness
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- difficulty swallowing
In addition to the symptoms mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, if you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately:
- seizures
Usage Instructions
How Should This Medication Be Used
Dantrolene comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day at first and then increased gradually to two to four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dantrolene exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you cannot swallow capsules, empty the contents into fruit juice and mix well just before taking the dose.
Are There Any Special Instructions
Before taking dantrolene, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dantrolene or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially diazepam (Valium); estrogen; medications for seizures, allergies, colds, or coughs; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, rheumatic, or lung disease. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how dantrolene affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. you should plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Dantrolene may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Brand Names
Common Brand Names for This Medication
- Dantrium®
Overdose
What To Do In The Case of Emergency
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Forgotten Doses
What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Additional Information
What Are the Storage Conditions for this Medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What Other Information Should I Know?
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.