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Dantrolene sodium (DS) is a non-centrally acting skeletal-muscle
relaxant. It interferes with normal excitation/contraction coupling. Although
the mechanism of action is not completely understood, it is thought to
interfere with the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
by interfering with a specific receptor. DS does not interfere with cardiac
and smooth muscle contraction because the mechanism of calcium release
in these types of muscle is under different control. DS is used in humans
primarily for upper motor neuron disorders. It is metabolized by the liver
and excreted in urine.
DS may be used to treat functional urethral obstruction due to urethral spasm in both dogs and cats. It is used for a similar purpose in the emergency care of acute spinal chord injury when the patient has decreased urinary function.
DS is an integral part of the treatment for malignant
hyperthermia and canine-stress syndrome. In contrast to equine exercise-induced
rhabdomyolysis, pretreatment with DS is not protective in dogs prone to
canine-stress syndrome. DS is also mentioned as an adjunct treatment for
black-widow spider bite.
DS is used as a treatment and as a preventative measure
for exertional rhabdomyolysis. In the treatment of exertional rhabdomyolysis,
DS decreases muscle spasm and possibly helps prevent further muscle necrosis.
Other drugs used concurrently in the treatment of exertional rhabdomyolysis
include sedatives, such as acepromazine or xylazine; NSAIDs; intravenous
fluids and possibly DMSO. When DS is used within a preventative program,
it should be given on an empty stomach prior to exercise. Oral absorption
of DS takes about one and a half hours and the half life is slightly more
than two hours. Some clinicians also use DS in the management of horses
with back and sacro-iliac pain.
Hepatotoxicity is a rare but serious side effect. In humans, this occurs most frequently with chronic use but has been seen after a short course of therapy.
Sedation, dizziness, lethargy, and other signs of CNS depression are the most common side effects. Muscle weakness has been reported in dogs. Other side effects include increased urinary frequency and hypotension.
In human patients, nausea, vomiting and constipation
have all been reported
• DS should not be used, or should be used with
extreme caution, in animals with decreased liver, cardiac or pulmonary
function.
• DS is excreted in milk. It should only be used in pregnant or lactating
animals when the benefits of therapy outweigh the potential risk.
• Additive CNS depression may result when DS is used with benzodiazepines
or other tranquilizers.
• DS should not be used with calcium-channel blockers due to rare
reports of cardiac collapse in humans.
• Co-administration of DS and estrogens may increase the risk of
hepatotoxicity.
• DS is highly protein bound. Warfarin may displace DS from plasma
proteins, increasing the possibility of adverse reactions.
• Oral overdose may cause increased severity of side effects. If recognized promptly, gut-emptying protocols should be attempted.
Dr.
Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware
and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com
To help protect veterinary staff and patients from unnecessary exposure to chemotherapy medications and waste, this handling sheet will be included with all chemotherapy prescriptions we dispense.
The information contained on this site
is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does
not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions
of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or
diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the
risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
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