Dantrolene Sodium

In Chronic Spasticity: Dantrolene is indicated in controlling the manifestations of clinical spasticity resulting from upper motor neuron disorders (e.g., spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis). It is of particular benefit to the patient whose functional rehabilitation has been retarded by the sequelae of spasticity. Dantrolene is not indicated in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders. 

A decision to continue the administration of Dantrolene on a long-term basis is justified if introduction of the drug into the patient's regimen: 

• Produces a significant reduction in painful and/or disabling spasticity such as clonus, or 
• Permits a significant reduction in the intensity and/or degree of nursing care required, or 
• Rids the patient of any annoying manifestation of spasticity considered important by the patient himself.

In Malignant Hyperthermia: Oral Dantrolene is also indicated preoperatively to prevent or attenuate the development of signs of malignant hyperthermia in known, or strongly suspect, malignant hyperthermia susceptible patients who require anesthesia and/or surgery.