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Dantrolene

  • Make sure you keep your appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked
  • Dantrolene can cause drowsiness, dizziness and tiredness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol as it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.

About dantrolene

Type of medicine Muscle relaxant
Used for Muscle cramps and spasm
Also called Dantrium
Available as Capsules
Injection

Dantrolene is used to treat conditions which cause the muscles to spasm, cramp or tighten such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. Dantrolene works by relaxing the muscles and preventing spasms, reducing any pain and discomfort.

Before taking dantrolene

Before taking dantrolene make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
  • If you suffer from liver, heart or lung problems
  • If you suffer from asthma or breathing problems
  • If your muscles have suddenly gone rigid
  • If you have difficulty standing up or walking

How to take dantrolene

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Make sure you keep your appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked

Can dantrolene cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol as it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If severe diarrhoea occurs speak to your doctor as they may suggest you stop taking dantrolene for a while.
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day.
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Skin rash Avoid scrubbing your skin. Use a soap substitute. Leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible.

Other side-effects include weakness, generally feeling unwell, loss of appetite, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty speaking, fits, visual disturbances, difficulty sleeping, fast heart beat, difficulty breathing, feelings of depression, confusion or nervousness, a need to urinate (pass water) more frequently, blood in the urine, difficulty in controlling the bladder, being unable to pass urine easily, chills and fever. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: If you experience yellowing of the skin, pale stools, dark urine, itching, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, you should seek medical advice at once.

How to store dantrolene

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1410		 DocRef:
dils2136		 Last Updated:
19 Jun 2007		 Date of Next Review:
18 Jun 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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