Virtual Medical Centre

Drugs

Dantrium Powder for Injection

Generic Name: Dantrolene sodium
Product Name: Dantrium Powder for Injection

• Indication of Dantrium Powder for Injection
• Action of Dantrium Powder for Injection
• Dose Advice of Dantrium Powder for Injection
• Schedule of Dantrium Powder for Injection
• Common side effects of Dantrium Powder for Injection
• Uncommon side effects of Dantrium Powder for Injection
• Reference

Indication of Dantrium Powder for Injection:

Dantrium Powder for Injection is a drug used for a specific condition called malignant hyperthermia. This is a rare condition caused by a reaction to certain inhaled anesthetic drugs, in particular suxamethonium. Malignant hyperthermia is a serious life-threatening reaction. It is caused by excess metabolic turnover of muscles and causes symptoms such as high fever, fast and irregular heart beat, trouble breathing and muscle rigidity. The tendency to develop this disorder is often inherited.

Dantrium is given as an injection to a vein immediately following identification of this condition. You will also have the anaesthetic stopped and be given fluids and oxygen to help you get through this condition. Note that there is a capsular form of Dantrium (Dantrium capsules) that has quite separate indications. Furthermore you may have been prescribed Dantrium Powder for Injection for a reason other than that listed above. If you have any queries or concerns about why Dantrium was prescribed to you please discuss them with your doctor.

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Action of Dantrium Powder for Injection:

Dantrium powder for injection contains the active ingredient Dantrolene. Following injection into a vein the body transports the drug to its target site, the muscles. Unlike other muscle relaxant drugs, Dantrium acts directly on muscle tissues to cause relaxation. It does this by inhibiting the release of calcium within muscle cells, which is a key mediator in muscle contraction. In the situation of an acute anaesthetic reaction, Dantrium works similarly be inhibiting the release of calcium and subsequently preventing muscle breakdown. This reverses many of the features of malignant hyperthermia.

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Dose Advice of Dantrium Powder for Injection:

Dantrium for injection comes as a dry powder that must be dissolved in sterile water prior to injection. It is supplied in small glass containers containing enough powder to give 20mg of the active drug.

Dantrium will be given immediately following recognition of malignant hyperthermia. It is given as a continuous infusion (injection) into a vein until all symptoms have resolved. The starting dose is determined based on your body weight and is usually 1mg/kg. This dose can be repeated up to a maximum dose of 10mg/kg. The required dose varies largely between different patients and will depend on how susceptible you are to the condition, the amount of anaesthetic that triggered the condition and how long it took before treatment was commenced.

Dantrium for injection is suitable to be given in an emergency situation in virtually all patients. However, if you are given Dantrium for injection make sure you tell your doctor after:

1. If you are pregnant- Your doctor will be able to discuss the risks and benefits of this medication for you and your pregnancy.
2. If you are taking any other medications (including those bought from supermarkets or pharmacies)- Dantrium can interact with some sedative medications and drugs used to treat high blood pressure. It is important your doctor knows all the drugs you are taking so they can interpret any interactions or adverse effects.

Following administration of Dantrium for injection there are some additional precautions required:

• You should be careful eating and drinking on the day of your treatment because Dantrium can interfere with your ability to swallow and may lead to choking.
• You may also be drowsy or dizzy for a couple of days following treatment. You should avoid operating heavy machinery or perform any dangerous tasks during this period.
• You should be careful walking down stairs or getting out of bed quickly as you may experience light-headedness.
• You will need to have your liver function tested following treatment as Dantrium has been known to damage the liver.

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