Drugs & Vitamins

Dantrium IV Active Ingredients: Dantrolene Injection Representative Names: Dantrium IV What is dantrolene injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with dantrolene? What side effects may I notice from receiving dantrolene? What should I watch for while taking dantrolene? Where can I keep my medicine? What is dantrolene injection? (Back to top) 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 available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with dantrolene? (Back to top) •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? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) This does not apply; you will not be given dantrolene infusions to take home. Last Updated:10/12/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.