Dantrolene (Dantrium) Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the drug class of dantrolene?

Peripherally acting spasmolytic, acting directly on muscles; muscle relaxant.

What are the pharmacotherapeutic uses of dantrolene?

Malignant hyperthermia; upper motor neuron disorders; heat stroke; traumatic head injury; prevention and treatment of amphotericin B associated rigors; spasticity secondary to spinal cord and cerebral injuries such as in multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and stroke.

What are the pharmacodynamics of dantrolene?

Reduction in force of skeletal muscle; decreased hyperreflexia, muscle stiffness, and spasticity; works directly on muscle.

What are some nursing implications while administering dantrolene?

Do not administer if active liver disease or active hepatitis except those with malignant hyperthermia; monitor women on estrogen therapy for increased risk of heart attack; not approved for children; spasticity making it difficult to swallow means you must mix with juice or pudding; contains lactulose, monitor for intolerance; monitor for alcohol consumption. Signup and view all the answers

What patient education should be provided related to dantrolene?

Avoid sun, wear sunscreen for photosensitivity; extended release cannot be altered; signs of hepatitis including fatigue, clay-colored stool, jaundice of skin; follow up on routine blood tests for liver function monitoring. Signup and view all the answers

What are the contraindications for dantrolene?

No contraindication for intravenous; patient who requires spasticity to maintain upright posture and balance; active liver disease. Signup and view all the answers

What precautions should be taken when administering dantrolene?

Pre-existing myopathy or neuromuscular disorders with respiratory distress; cardiac disease; pulmonary dysfunction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Signup and view all the answers

What are the adverse effects of dantrolene?

Drug-induced fatal hepatitis; seizures; pleural effusion with pericarditis; blood dyscrasias. Signup and view all the answers

What are the side effects associated with dantrolene?

Muscle weakness; drooling; slurred speech; drowsiness; intravenous includes edema, thrombophlebitis, and urticaria. Signup and view all the answers

Does dantrolene depress the central nervous system?

False Signup and view all the answers

How is dantrolene administered?

Usually orally (PO); sometimes intravenous for malignant hyperthermia occurring secondary to anesthesia. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dantrolene Overview

Dantrolene is classified as a peripherally acting spasmolytic and muscle relaxant, directly targeting muscles.

Pharmacotherapeutics

Indicated for treatment of malignant hyperthermia and upper motor neuron disorders.
Used for heat stroke, traumatic head injuries, and associated rigors from amphotericin B.
Effective for spasticity related to spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and stroke.

Pharmacodynamics

Reduces force output of skeletal muscles.
Decreases hyperreflexia, muscle stiffness, and spasticity.

Nursing Implications

Avoid in patients with active liver disease or hepatitis unless they have malignant hyperthermia.
Monitor for heart attack risk in women on estrogen therapy.
Caution with patients having swallowing difficulties; may need to mix with juice or pudding.
Contains lactulose; monitor for intolerance and alcohol consumption to prevent excessive muscle relaxation.

Patient Education

Advise to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen due to photosensitivity.
Extended-release formulations should not be altered.
Educate regarding signs of hepatitis, such as fatigue, clay-colored stools, and jaundice.
Emphasize the importance of routine liver function blood tests.

Contraindications

No intravenous contraindications.
Not suitable for patients dependent on spasticity for balance or upright posture.
Active liver disease is a major contraindication.

Precautions

Use cautiously in patients with myopathy or neuromuscular disorders leading to respiratory distress.
Monitor cardiac disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to potential respiratory problems.

Adverse Effects

Potential for drug-induced fatal hepatitis.
Risk of seizures and pleural effusion associated with pericarditis.
Occurrence of blood dyscrasias.

Side Effects

Common side effects include muscle weakness, drooling, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
Intravenous administration can cause edema, thrombophlebitis, and urticaria.

Central Nervous System Effects

Dantrolene does not depress the central nervous system; its mechanism is muscle-specific.

Administration

Typically administered orally (PO).
Intravenous use is reserved for treating malignant hyperthermia stemming from anesthesia.

Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards on Dantrolene (Dantrium), a crucial drug in managing muscle spasms and conditions like malignant hyperthermia. Each card covers key pharmacotherapeutics and the drug's action as a muscle relaxant. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals alike!