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Questions and Answers
What is the drug class of dantrolene?
What is the drug class of dantrolene?
Peripherally acting spasmolytic, acting directly on muscles; muscle relaxant.
What are the pharmacotherapeutic uses of dantrolene?
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?
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?
What are some nursing implications while administering dantrolene?
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What patient education should be provided related to dantrolene?
What patient education should be provided related to dantrolene?
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What are the contraindications for dantrolene?
What are the contraindications for dantrolene?
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What precautions should be taken when administering dantrolene?
What precautions should be taken when administering dantrolene?
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What are the adverse effects of dantrolene?
What are the adverse effects of dantrolene?
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What are the side effects associated with dantrolene?
What are the side effects associated with dantrolene?
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Does dantrolene depress the central nervous system?
Does dantrolene depress the central nervous system?
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How is dantrolene administered?
How is dantrolene administered?
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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.
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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!
