Dantrium

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > D



How does it work?

Dantrolene sodium lowers the intracellular calcium concentration in skeletal muscle by a mechanism which is not fully understood. This reduces the sensitivity of the muscles to nerve signals. As a result, the muscles can relax and spasticity is reduced. Dantrolene sodium is used as a muscle relaxant in conditions where there is chronic, severe spasticity.

What is it used for?

- Skeletal muscle spasm

Warning!

- Your liver functioning should be monitored while you are taking this medicine. Symptoms that may suggest a liver problem include persistent nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, or the development of jaundice (a yellow colouring to the skin and the whites of the eyes). Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Use with caution in

- Disease involving the heart and blood vessels
- Lung disease

Not to be used in

- Children
- Decreased liver function
- Sudden muscle spasm

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- It is recommended that women should not breastfeed whilst taking this medicine.

Label warnings

- This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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