Brand Name(s): Dantrium IV

Generic Name Dantrolene Injection

What is dantrolene injection?

DANTROLENE (Dantrium® IV) is a muscle relaxant. Dantrolene can help prevent and treat a condition called malignant hyperthermia, which may occur after surgery or anesthesia. Generic dantrolene injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive dantrolene?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• muscle, or neuromuscular disease (including multiple sclerosis)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dantrolene, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Dantrolene is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with dantrolene?

• alcohol
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• medicines for angina or high blood pressure
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving dantrolene?

Serious side effects are more likely to occur after long-term treatment with dantrolene; they include:

• dark yellow or brown urine
• black, or tarry stools
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• fever
• pain or changes in skin color
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• swelling of feet or legs
• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision
• depression
• diarrhea, or constipation
• drowsiness or dizziness
• increased sensitivity to sunlight
• loss of appetite
• nervousness or confusion
• passing urine more often
• slurred speech
• trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• weakness or tiredness

What should I watch for while taking dantrolene?

You may get drowsy or dizzy; until you know how dantrolene affects you, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy; avoid alcoholic drinks.

Dantrolene may make your skin sensitive to sunlight (UV). Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

Where can I keep my medicine?

This does not apply; you will not be given dantrolene infusions to take home.