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Dantrium (DAN-troe-leen ) is used to help relax certain muscles in your body. It relieves the spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles caused by certain medical problems such as multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, stroke, or injury to the spine. Dantrium does not cure these problems, but it may allow other treatment, such as physical therapy, to be more helpful in improving your condition. Dantrium acts directly on the muscles to produce its relaxant effects. Dantrium is also used to prevent or treat a medical problem called malignant hyperthermia that may occur in some people during or following surgery or anesthesia. Malignant hyperthermia consists of a group of symptoms including very high fever, fast and irregular heartbeat, and breathing problems. It is believed that the tendency to develop malignant hyperthermia is inherited. Dantrium has been shown to cause cancer and noncancerous tumors in some animals (but not in others) when given in large doses for a long time. It is not known whether long-term use of Dantrium causes cancer or tumors in humans. Before taking this medicine, be sure that you have discussed this with your doctor. Dantrium is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms: Oral Capsules (U.S. and Canada) Parenteral Injection (U.S. and Canada) Dantrolene, a muscle relaxant, is used to treat spasticity or muscle spasms associated with spinal cord injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or other conditions. Dantrium is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Dantrolene comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day at first and then increased gradually to two to four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dantrolene exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you cannot swallow capsules, empty the contents into fruit juice and mix well just before taking the dose. Brand names: - Dantrium - Dantrium Intravenous - Dantrolene |