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Dantrolene 💊
📖 About
Always check the BNF link here for up-to-date prescribing information.
- 💊 Alternative to baclofen for reducing muscle tone and spasticity.
- 🚨 Specific role in treating malignant hyperthermia (MH) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
⚙️ Mechanism of Action
- Acts directly on skeletal muscle.
- Blocks calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
- Impairs excitation–contraction coupling → muscle relaxation.
🎯 Indications
- Spasticity in neurological conditions (alternative when baclofen poorly tolerated or ineffective).
- Malignant hyperthermia (anaesthetic emergency) 🛑.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (antipsychotic emergency) ⚡.
💊 Dantrolene – Dosing
| Indication | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦵 Spasticity |
Dantrolene
Start: 25 mg BD, titrate slowly Usual range: 25 mg BD → up to 100 mg QDS Route: PO / IV / IM |
| 🔥 Malignant Hyperthermia / NMS |
Dantrolene
Initial: 2–3 mg/kg IV Then: 1 mg/kg IV, repeat if needed Maximum: 10 mg/kg per course ⚠️ Give via large vein – extravasation can cause severe soft tissue injury |
🔗 Interactions
- Concurrent oestrogens may increase risk of hepatotoxicity.
- Use caution with other hepatotoxic drugs.
⛔ Contraindications
- Active or previous liver disease (risk of hepatotoxicity).
- Pregnancy (safety not established).
⚠️ Side Effects
- Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, vertigo 😵.
- GI upset: nausea, diarrhoea.
- Hepatotoxicity (dose-related, especially at >400 mg/day or with long-term use) ⚠️.
- Photosensitivity reactions (rare).
📚 References
- BNF – Dantrolene
- Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine.
- Anaesthesia textbooks – malignant hyperthermia management.
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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