$Unique_ID{BRK01916}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{DANTROLENE}
$Subject{Dantrium (Norwich-Eaton)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


DANTROLENE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Dantrium (Norwich-Eaton)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Muscle relaxant
INGREDIENT:
     dantrolene
DOSAGE FORM:
     Capsules (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
STORAGE:
     Dantrolene should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     This medication is used to relieve the spasticity caused by spinal cord
injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis.  It works directly on
muscles to prevent contraction.  Dantrolene is also used prior to anesthesia
to prevent malignant hyperthermia in patients known or suspected to be at risk
for developing this complication.

TREATMENT

     You can take dantrolene either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
(as directed by your doctor).  If you are unable to swallow the capsule, you
can open it and mix the contents with fruit juice or another nonalcoholic
beverage.  Stir gently to mix the powder with the liquid before drinking.  You
should then take the dose immediately after mixing.  Rinse the glass with a
little more liquid and drink that as well to make sure that you have taken all
of the medicine.
     If you miss a dose and remember within an hour, take the missed dose
immediately.  If more than an hour has passed, do not take the missed dose;
just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abnormal hair growth, alteration of taste, constipation, diarrhea,
dizziness, drowsiness, excessive tearing, fatigue, headache, insomnia, loss of
appetite, or stomach upset.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.
     This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  You should,
therefore, try to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear
protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
backaches; bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; chills; confusion;
convulsions; depression; difficult or painful urination; difficulty in
breathing; difficulty in swallowing; feeling of suffocation; fever; increased
urination; muscle pain; nervousness; palpitations; skin rash; speech
disturbances; unusual weakness; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Dantrolene interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. Concurrent use of dantrolene with central nervous system depressants
(such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers,
muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine tranquilizers,
and sleeping medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants can lead to
extreme drowsiness.
     2. Concurrent use of dantrolene and estrogen by women over 35 years of
age can increase their risk of liver damage.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to dantrolene.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had heart disease, liver disease, or lung
disease.
     * Repeated laboratory tests are necessary while you are taking dantrolene
to monitor changes that may indicate liver damage.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy or blurs your vision, do not
take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or
operating potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although extensive
studies in humans have not been conducted, animal studies involving large
doses of dantrolene have demonstrated adverse effects on the fetus.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.  This drug is not recommended for
nursing women.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
