Dantrolene (Intravenous)

Dantrolene is used to prevent or treat a medical issue called malignant hyperthermia that can happen in some patients during or after surgery or anesthesia. Malignant hyperthermia includes a range of symptoms like very high fever, fast and irregular heartbeat, and breathing difficulties. It is thought that the risk of developing malignant hyperthermia runs in families.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Your doctor will only give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then you will be switched to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.

This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or muscle weakness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert or well-coordinated.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor must consider the risks of taking the medicine versus the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, keep the following points in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medications. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, including allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies so far have not shown any specific problems that would limit the use of dantrolene in children.

Geriatric

While there haven't been specific studies on how dantrolene affects older adults, no specific problems have been documented for geriatric patients. However, older patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart issues, which may require caution when using dantrolene.

Breast Feeding

There are no sufficient studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others can be used together, even if there may be an interaction. In these cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. When receiving this medicine, it is very important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions are based on their potential importance and may not cover all possibilities.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but might be necessary in some situations. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or frequency of one or both medicines.

• Alprazolam
• Amlodipine
• Amobarbital
• Aprobarbital
• Buprenorphine
• Butabarbital
• Butalbital
• Calcium Oxybate
• Carisoprodol
• Chloral Hydrate
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Chlorzoxazone
• Cinnarizine
• Clevidipine
• Clobazam
• Clonazepam
• Clorazepate
• Diazepam
• Diltiazem
• Estazolam
• Ethchlorvynol
• Felodipine
• Flunitrazepam
• Flurazepam
• Halazepam
• Isradipine
• Ketazolam
• Levoketoconazole
• Lorazepam
• Lormetazepam
• Magnesium Oxybate
• Medazepam
• Mephenesin
• Mephobarbital
• Meprobamate
• Metaxalone
• Methadone
• Methocarbamol
• Methohexital
• Methotrexate
• Midazolam
• Nicardipine
• Nifedipine
• Nimodipine
• Nisoldipine
• Nitrazepam
• Oxazepam
• Oxycodone
• Pentobarbital
• Pexidartinib
• Phenobarbital
• Potassium Oxybate
• Prazepam
• Primidone
• Quazepam
• Secobarbital
• Sodium Oxybate
• Tapentadol
• Temazepam
• Thiopental
• Triazolam
• Verapamil

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around mealtime or with certain foods, as interactions may occur. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may require medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Blue lips and fingernails
• Chest pain
• Coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
• Difficult, fast, noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Hives
• Increased sweating
• Itching
• Pale skin
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Swelling in legs and ankles
• Tightness in chest
• Tissue necrosis
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Wheezing

Incidence not known

• Changes in skin color, pain, tenderness, or swelling of foot or leg

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also have ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

• Flushing or redness of skin
• Unusually warm skin

Incidence not known

• Drowsiness
• Muscle weakness

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your health care professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Dantrium Intravenous
• Revonto
• Ryanodex

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution
• Powder for Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Skeletal Muscle Relaxant, Direct Acting

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.