Evaluation of a muscle relaxant: dantrolene sodium (Dantrium)

M. H. Dykes

Dantrolene sodium (Dantrium) is a skeletal muscle relaxant, unique in that it acts on the muscle itself. It should be considered for use in patients with skeletal muscle spasticity who are in a stable neurological state. After careful adjustment of the dose, a substantial number of such patients will experience one or more of the following benefits: (1) a reduction in pain, (2) an increased ability to make use of residual motor function, (3) a reduction in the level of nursing care required, (4) an increased ability to utilize devices, and (5) an increased ability to participate in rehabilitation. The drug should not be used when reduced spasticity will decrease functional ability. The adverse effects generally are transient; some are the result of central nervous system depression.