Dantrium Intravenous (injection)

Dantrium Intravenous is used to treat or prevent muscle stiffness or twitching caused by malignant hyperthermia (a quick rise in body temperature and strong muscle contractions) that can happen during surgery with some types of anesthesia.

Dantrium Intravenous may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines, have other medical conditions, or have allergies.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had health problems or are taking other medications.

It is not known if Dantrium Intravenous will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while using Dantrium Intravenous, and for at least 3 days after your last dose.

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

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• loss of grip strength, loss of balance, and weakness in the legs;
• shortness of breath;
• trouble swallowing;
• dizziness, extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert; or
• pain, burning, warmth, redness, bruising, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given.

Common side effects of Dantrium Intravenous may include:

• nausea;
• skin redness; or
• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected.

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.

Dantrium Intravenous is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider in a medical setting.

Tell your medical caregivers if you feel any burning or pain when Dantrium Intravenous is injected.

In a medical setting, you are unlikely to miss a dose.

In a medical setting, an overdose will be treated quickly.

Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you understand how Dantrium Intravenous will affect you. Your reactions might be slower. Dantrium Intravenous may make you feel light-headed for up to 48 hours.

This medication can cause muscle weakness, especially in your hands and legs, and may make it hard to swallow. Be careful with daily activities to prevent injury until your muscle strength has fully returned.

Using Dantrium Intravenous with other drugs that make you drowsy can make this effect worse. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a heart or blood pressure medication called a calcium channel blocker; or
• vecuronium (muscle relaxer used during medical procedures).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Dantrium Intravenous, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.