Adult Dosing
Chronic spasticity
- Start: 25 mg PO qd x 7 days, then 25 mg PO tid x 7 days, then 50 mg PO tid x 7 days, then 100 mg PO tid
- Max: 400 mg/day
- Use lowest effective dose. Suspend therapy after 45 days if no response observed
Prevention of malignant hyperthermia
- 4-8 mg/kg/day PO divided tid-qid x 1–2 days before procedure, last dose 3–4 hrs before surgery given with minimum water
- 4-8 mg/kg/day PO divided qid x 1–3 days for post-hyperthermia crisis follow-up after IV treatment
Tetanus [Non-FDA Approved]
- 25 mg PO daily, increased gradually at 7-day intervals over 7 weeks. Maximum 100 mg qid. Discontinue if no response after 45 days
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome [Non-FDA approved]
- 1-2.5 mg/kg initially, then 1 mg/kg every 6 hours PO, Max: 400 mg/day
Pediatric Dosing
- Note: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric population <5 yrs of age have not been established
Chronic spasticity
Children >5 yrs
- Start: 0.5 mg/kg PO qd x 7 days, then 0.5 mg/kg tid x 7 days, then 1 mg/kg tid x 7 days, then 2 mg/kg PO tid
- Max: 400 mg/day
- Use lowest effective dose. Suspend therapy after 45 days if no response observed
Prevention of malignant hyperthermia
Children >5 yrs
- 4–8 mg/kg/day PO divided tid-qid x 1–2 days before procedure, last dose 3–4 hrs before surgery, given with minimum water
- 4–8 mg/kg/day PO divided qid x 1–3 days for post-hyperthermia crisis follow-up after IV treatment
Tetanus [Non-FDA Approved]
- 0.5 mg/kg/dose PO qd, gradually increase dose, as tolerated, with dose adjustments every 7 days, to a maximum of 2 mg/kg/dose PO qid
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- As the therapy is associated with hepatotoxicity, perform liver function tests prior to administering the therapy and periodically during the therapy[US Black Box warning]
- Suspend therapy if hepatitis accompanied by abnormalities in liver function tests or jaundice appear [US Black Box Warning]
- Idiosyncratic or hypersensitivity type fatal and non-fatal liver disorders may occur with the therapy
- Reinstitution should be attempted only in patients who clearly need therapy and only after previous symptoms and laboratory abnormalities have cleared
- Use with caution in females and in patients over 35 years of age [US Black Box Warning]
- Use with caution in patients with impaired pulmonary function such as obstructive pulmonary disease and in patients with severely impaired cardiac function due to myocardial disease
- Therapy should be used with caution in patients with a history of previous liver disease or dysfunction
Caution: Use cautiously in
- Renal impairment
- Hx of Hepatic disorders
- CNS depressant use
- Alcohol use
- Female patients
- Patients >35 yrs
- Pulmonary impairment
- Impaired cardiac functions
Supplemental Patient Information
- Caution against participating in hazardous occupations or driving an automobile
- Avoid concomitant use of tranquilizing agents
- Caution about exposure to sunlight during therapy because of the potential for photosensitivity reactions
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Because no information is available on the long-term use of dantrolene during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. This information is based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 2 March 2011). Manufacturer advises discontinuation of drug or discontinuation of nursing, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pricing data from www.DrugStore.com in U.S.A.
- Dantrolene Sodium 100 MG CAPS [Bottle] (GLOBAL PHARMACEUTICAL CORP)
45 mg = $76.99
135 mg = $219.97 - Dantrolene Sodium 25 MG CAPS [Bottle] (GLOBAL PHARMACEUTICAL CORP)
30 mg = $34.99
90 mg = $81.97 - Dantrolene Sodium 50 MG CAPS [Bottle] (GLOBAL PHARMACEUTICAL CORP)
45 mg = $63.99
135 mg = $175.97
Warning: This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.
