Name: Dantrolene (Dantrium)
Class: Muscle Relaxant (Peripherally Acting)
Mechanism: Decreases excitation-contraction coupling in muscle fibers by interfering w/release of Ca2+ from sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Absorption:
Dist.:
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Muscle weakness, sedation. Chronic treatment occasionally ® hepatitis.
Utility: Treat spasticity due to spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Treat malignant hyperthermia. Treat neuroleptic malignant syndrome (efficacy prob. not due to block of Ca2+ release).
Special Features: A hydantoin derivative.