Dantrolene Capsules
Generic name: Dantrolene Capsules [ DAN-troe-leen ]
Brand name: Dantrium
Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxants
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 28, 2023.
Warning
- This medicine may raise the chance of liver problems. Sometimes, liver problems have been deadly. This may happen at any time but most of the time has happened between the 3rd and 12th month of treatment. The chance is greatest in women, patients older than 35 years of age, and patients taking other drugs. The chance is also greater when this medicine (dantrolene capsules) is used in high doses, even for a short time. Your doctor will be watching your liver tests. This medicine must not be used for reasons other than for what it was given to you.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- If your signs are not better after 45 days of use, talk with your doctor.
Uses of Dantrolene Capsules:
- It is used to relax muscles.
- It is used to treat or prevent a health problem called malignant hyperthermia.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Dantrolene Capsules?
- If you are allergic to this medicine (dantrolene capsules); any part of this medicine (dantrolene capsules); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you are taking any of these drugs: Diltiazem or verapamil.
- If spasticity helps you keep your balance.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (dantrolene capsules).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (dantrolene capsules) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Dantrolene Capsules?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (dantrolene capsules). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (dantrolene capsules) affects you.
- This medicine may make you sunburn more easily. Use care if you will be in the sun. Tell your doctor if you sunburn easily while taking this drug.
- Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
- Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (dantrolene capsules) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Dantrolene Capsules) best taken?
Use this medicine (dantrolene capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
Related/similar drugs
baclofen, Botox, dantrolene, Lioresal, onabotulinumtoxinA, Gablofen, Dantrium, Ryanodex
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Choking.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Shortness of breath.
What are some other side effects of Dantrolene Capsules?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
- Diarrhea.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Dantrolene Capsules?
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (dantrolene capsules), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about dantrolene
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: skeletal muscle relaxants
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Patient resources
- Dantrolene drug information
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- Dantrolene (Oral) (Advanced Reading)
- Dantrolene Injection
Other brands
Dantrium, Ryanodex, Dantrium Intravenous, Revonto
Professional resources
Other brands
Dantrium, Ryanodex, Dantrium Intravenous, Revonto
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.