Dantrium For Injection (Dantrolene Sodium Hemiheptahydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Dantrium For Injection Used For?
Dantrium For Injection is a muscle relaxant medication that contains dantrolene sodium hemiheptahydrate as its active ingredient. It is specifically designed to treat a rare but serious medical emergency.
Primary Uses
Dantrium is used to treat malignant hyperthermia, a rare condition that can occur during or after surgery or anesthesia. This condition may be inherited and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms include very high fever, fast and irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and rigid muscles.
How It Works
As a muscle relaxant, Dantrium works to counteract the muscle rigidity and other dangerous symptoms associated with malignant hyperthermia.
Emergency Treatment: Malignant hyperthermia may be fatal if not treated – this is why immediate treatment with Dantrium is critical.
How to Take Dantrium For Injection
Dantrium For Injection is administered only by healthcare professionals in a medical setting. It is not something you take at home.
Administration Method
Dantrium is given as soon as malignant hyperthermia is recognized. The powder is mixed into a solution and given by injection into a vein. The dose is calculated by your doctor according to your body weight. Treatment continues until all symptoms disappear and may be repeated if symptoms return after initial recovery.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment must continue until all symptoms of malignant hyperthermia are gone. Your doctor will monitor you closely and may repeat treatment if symptoms return after initial recovery.
Medical Supervision: This medication is given under close medical supervision, making overdose very unlikely.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Swelling or tenderness around the injection site
- Itchy skin rash or reddening of the skin
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness in the legs or loss of grip strength
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Breathlessness, gasping for air, wheezing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abnormal liver conditions (may only be detected through medical tests)
Important Warnings
Before receiving Dantrium For Injection, it’s important to inform your healthcare team about your medical history and any allergies you may have.
Who Should Not Take Dantrium For Injection
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to dantrolene sodium hemiheptahydrate or mannitol. Allergic reaction symptoms may include rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, shortness of breath, wheezing, or troubled breathing.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Inform your doctor about all medical conditions you have and any other medicines you are taking, including heart medicines or tranquilizers.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Allergy Alert: Tell your doctor about any allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes before treatment.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Dantrium For Injection works, so it’s important to tell your healthcare team about all medicines you’re taking.
Complete Medication List: Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure about what medicines, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking and how they might affect Dantrium.
- Heart medicines
- Tranquilizers (medicines to reduce anxiety or help you sleep)
Alcohol & Driving
Dantrium For Injection can affect your ability to perform activities that require alertness and coordination. Special precautions are needed after treatment.
Alcohol
Caution should be taken when drinking alcohol after treatment with Dantrium.
Driving and Operating Machinery
For 2 days after treatment, do not operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous when not fully alert. Weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness can continue for up to 48 hours after treatment.
Physical Activities
Take care when getting out of bed or walking downstairs. You may experience light-headedness, leg weakness, or loss of grip strength after treatment. Be careful when eating or drinking on the day you receive treatment, as some people have difficulty swallowing and choking has been reported.
Storage
Dantrium For Injection is stored in the pharmacy or hospital ward under proper conditions by healthcare professionals. You don’t need to worry about storage as this medication is only given in medical facilities. Hospital staff will dispose of any leftover medication.
Overdose Information
Since Dantrium For Injection is given under close medical supervision in a hospital setting, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you experience any concerning side effects, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. If you’re worried that you may have received too much medication, inform your healthcare team right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dantrium is given as soon as malignant hyperthermia is recognized and works to treat the emergency condition. Treatment continues until all symptoms disappear.
The source material does not indicate that Dantrium For Injection is addictive. It is used specifically for treating malignant hyperthermia emergencies.
Treatment must continue until all symptoms of malignant hyperthermia are gone. Your doctor will monitor you and may repeat treatment if symptoms return after initial recovery.
Caution should be taken when drinking alcohol after treatment with Dantrium. The medication can cause drowsiness and weakness that may last up to 48 hours.
Weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness can continue for up to 48 hours after treatment. You should not operate machinery or do anything dangerous for 2 days after treatment.
Take care when getting out of bed or walking downstairs due to possible leg weakness and dizziness. Be careful when eating or drinking as some people have difficulty swallowing after treatment.
You should check with your doctor if you are pregnant and talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed before receiving this treatment.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.