Dantrolene capsules

What is this medicine?

DANTROLENE (DAN troe leen) helps to relieve spasms and stiffness of muscles in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, or injury to the spine. This medicine can also help prevent and treat a condition called malignant hyperthermia, which may occur after surgery or anesthesia.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

• trouble swallowing

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• nausea, vomiting

• trouble speaking

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medication with any of the following medicines:

• narcotic medicines for cough

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

• certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline

• certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone

• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections

• general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol

• local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• narcotic medicines for pain

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dantrolene, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are taking another medicine that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.