What is Dantrolene: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Dantrolene overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Dantrium, Dantrolene Sodium

Generic Names:

  • Dantrolene Sodium

Uses:

  • Treats muscle spasms. Also used to treat and prevent malignant hyperthermia.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Skeletal Muscle Relaxant, Direct Acting

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Dantrolene used for?

Dantrium is a muscle relaxer that is used to treat muscle spasms caused by certain nerve disorders such as spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. It works by reducing muscle pain and stiffness and improves your ability to move around.

What form(s) does Dantrolene come in

  • Capsule

What are common Dantrolene doses?

  • Capsule 25MG

  • Capsule 50MG

  • Capsule 100MG

Common Dantrolene prescriptions

  • Dantrolene Sodium
    100mg capsule

  • Dantrolene Sodium
    25mg capsule

  • Dantrolene Sodium
    50mg capsule

How to take Dantrolene

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

What to do if you miss a dose of Dantrolene

Dantrolene contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dantrolene, or if you have active liver disease (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis).

Dantrolene warnings

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of liver disease, heart disease, or lung disease.

  • This medicine can cause the following problems: Liver problems

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Dantrolene interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how dantrolene works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following: EstrogenHeart or blood pressure medicine

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Dantrolene side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe diarrhea

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, chest pain, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness

  • Muscle weakness, tiredness

  • Mild diarrhea

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