Side Effects of dantrolene: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Dantrolene is a medication commonly used to treat spasticity, malignant hyperthermia, and other conditions involving muscle stiffness or uncontrolled muscle contractions. This review summarizes the reported side effects of dantrolene based on various studies.

Reasons for Side Effects

Dantrolene's primary mode of action is to block the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells. This calcium release is crucial for muscle contraction. By inhibiting calcium release, dantrolene effectively reduces muscle activity. However, this mechanism can also lead to various side effects, as calcium plays a vital role in other bodily functions beyond muscle contraction.

Common Side Effects

Fatigue

Dantrolene can cause fatigue, likely due to its effect on muscle function. 13

Drowsiness

Drowsiness is a common side effect of dantrolene, potentially related to its central nervous system activity. 13 , 1

Muscle Weakness

Dantrolene can weaken muscles, a direct consequence of its action on calcium release. 13 , 8

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Dantrolene can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. 13 , 8

Liver Dysfunction

Dantrolene is metabolized by the liver, and high doses can lead to liver problems. 1 , 8

Respiratory Depression

Dantrolene can suppress breathing in severe cases. 18

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Fatigue

Reducing the dosage of dantrolene can help alleviate fatigue. 13

Drowsiness

Lowering the dantrolene dosage may reduce drowsiness. 13 , 1

Muscle Weakness

Reducing the dantrolene dose might help with muscle weakness. 13

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Diet modifications and adjusting the way dantrolene is taken could help with gastrointestinal discomfort. 13

Liver Dysfunction

Regular liver function tests are crucial for early detection of liver issues. If liver dysfunction is suspected, consulting a doctor is vital. 1

Respiratory Depression

Patients experiencing respiratory depression from dantrolene require close monitoring and care by respiratory specialists. 18

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities between Studies

Numerous studies indicate that dantrolene can cause side effects like muscle weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, gastrointestinal problems, and liver dysfunction.

Differences between Studies

The frequency and severity of dantrolene side effects can vary across studies. There are also discrepancies in the suggested countermeasures for dantrolene-induced side effects.

Notes on Application to Real Life

While dantrolene can be a valuable treatment for various conditions, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects. If you are prescribed dantrolene, discussing its side effects with your doctor and understanding them thoroughly is crucial before taking the medication.

Limitations of Current Research

Research regarding dantrolene side effects is still ongoing and not entirely complete. Further research is particularly needed to understand the long-term effects of dantrolene use.

Future Research Directions

To gain a deeper understanding of dantrolene side effects, further research is essential in the following areas:

  • Long-term dantrolene administration and its potential side effects
  • Developing novel treatments to mitigate dantrolene side effects
  • Identifying biomarkers that predict the likelihood of developing dantrolene side effects

Conclusion

Dantrolene can be a helpful medication for many medical conditions, but it's important to be aware of its possible side effects. When taking dantrolene, consulting with your doctor, understanding the risks, and closely monitoring your health is crucial for safe and effective treatment.

Keywords
Benefit Keywords
Relief of myopathic symptoms
1
NSAID use
SNRIs for neuropathic pain
3
Cerebral vasospasm treatment
4
Improved memory
5
Neuroprotective effects
6
Antiemetic potential
7
Schizoaffective disorder treatment
9
Treatment of postoperative hyperthermia
11
Tetanus treatment
12
Exercise performance
Reduced myoglobinuria
13
Spasticity Treatment
14
Vasospasm treatment
15
Pain management
16
Treatment of childhood dystonia
19
Arrhythmia treatment
Thromboembolic complication prevention
20
DMD treatment potential
22
Reduced spasticity
23
Botulinum toxin type A spasticity treatment
Intrathecal baclofen spasticity treatment
25
Antimalarial development
26
Spasticity treatment
27
Pleural effusion recovery
28
Risk Keywords
Hepatotoxicity
1
End-organ damage
Hyperpyrexia
2
Gastrointestinal risk
Opioid risk
Renal risk
3
No significant side effects
5
Emetic mechanisms
7
Apoptosis
DNA damage
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Necrosis
Oxidative stress
8
NMS
Rhabdomyolysis
SIADH
9
Malignant hyperthermia
10
Central hyperthermia
11
Diarrhea
Hypoglycemia
Muscle weakness
13
Limited Efficacy Data
14
Cardiac arrhythmias
Skeletal myopathies
17
Dinitrophenol poisoning
Hyper-metabolic state
Respiratory failure
18
Dosage concerns
Side effects
19
Drug toxicity
Proarrhythmic potential
20
Creatinine kinase elevations
Deep venous thrombosis
Labile blood pressure
Mental status changes
Muscle rigidity
Pulmonary embolism
Temperature elevation
White blood cell count elevations
21
Side effects
23
Acidosis
Cerebral oedema
Death
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Hyperkalaemia
Hyperthermia
Hypoglycaemia
Multiple organ failure
Rhabdomyolysis
24
Intramuscular alcohol spasticity treatment
25
Unwanted side effects
26
Drowsiness
Muscle weakness
Sedation
27
Pleural effusion
28
Literature analysis of 28 papers
Positive Content
16
Neutral Content
5
Negative Content
7
Article Type
0
2
5
10
27
2.

Dantrolene Administration in the Management of the Prehospital Patient with Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Overdose: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Author: NikoomaneshKia, PhanAlexander T, ChoiJulian, ArabianSarkis, NeekiMichael M

End-organ damage
Hyperpyrexia

This case series examined the efficacy of dantrolene in mitigating MDMA-induced hyperpyrexia. While dantrolene and cooling measures reduced body temperatures, they did not appear to reduce the risk of end-organ damage.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

4.

The Role of Parenteral Dantrolene in the Contemporary Management of Cerebral Vasospasm in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review.

Author: OrtizMichael, NunnaRavi S, RavipatiKaushik, TranAngela, QureshiAdnan I, SiddiqFarhan

Cerebral vasospasm treatment

This study critically reviews the evidence of dantrolene's use in human subjects for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm, a complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

5.

Intranasal Dantrolene as a Disease-Modifying Drug in Alzheimer 5XFAD Mice.

Author: ShiYun, ZhangLei, GaoXue, ZhangJing, Ben AbouMatan, LiangGe, MengQingcheng, HepnerAdrian, EckenhoffMaryellen F, WeiHuafeng

Improved memory
No significant side effects

Intranasal administration of dantrolene was found to be more effective than subcutaneous administration in improving memory in 5XFAD Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice, achieving higher brain and lower plasma concentrations. This suggests that intranasal dantrolene could be a disease-modifying drug for AD without significant side effects or mortality.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

10.

Malignant hyperthermia testing in probands without adverse anesthetic reaction.

Author: TimminsMatthew A, RosenbergHenry, LarachMarilyn Green, SterlingCarly, KraevaNatalia, RiaziSheila

Malignant hyperthermia

This study investigates the reasons for referrals for malignant hyperthermia (MH) testing in cases that are not related to anesthesia.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

11.

[Suspected case of postoperative malignant hyperthermia treated with dantrolene one week after neurosurgery].

Author: ItohKazushi, NishibeShinichi, UsudaYutaka, KitamuraAkira

Treatment of postoperative hyperthermia
Central hyperthermia

This case report describes a 16-year-old patient who developed severe hyperthermia after brain surgery. The patient's symptoms were successfully treated with dantrolene, a drug used for malignant hyperthermia. This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of postoperative hyperthermia in neurosurgical patients.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Japanese

12.

Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist improves patient-ventilator synchrony in a patient with tetanus and unstable diaphragmatic electrical activity.

Author: TaneNatsuki, OkudaNao, ImanakaHideaki, NishimuraMasaji

Tetanus treatment

This case report describes a 79-year-old man with generalized tetanus who developed periodic breathing, a pattern that resembled Cheyne-Stokes respiration, during his recovery. The patient's electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) was monitored using neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) mode, which improved patient-ventilator synchrony. While the exact cause of the periodic breathing remains unclear, it may be attributed to the side effects of medications or the natural course of the disease.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

13.

Pharmacological and nutritional treatment for McArdle disease (Glycogen Storage Disease type V).

Author: QuinlivanRosaline, MartinuzziAndrea, SchoserBenedikt

Exercise performance
Reduced myoglobinuria
Diarrhea
Hypoglycemia
Muscle weakness

McArdle disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects muscle function. This review examined the evidence from clinical trials for various treatments for McArdle disease. Results showed that while some treatments may have some benefits, none have been shown to be significantly effective.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

15.

Intra-arterial dantrolene for refractory cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Author: MajidiShahram, GrigoryanMikayel, TekleWondwossen G, QureshiAdnan I

Vasospasm treatment

Intra-arterial dantrolene can be used to treat refractory cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this case report, a 56-year-old woman with severe vasospasm showed sustained improvement after intra-arterial dantrolene infusion.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

16.

Muscle relaxants for pain management in rheumatoid arthritis.

Author: RichardsBethan L, WhittleSamuel L, BuchbinderRachelle

Pain management

Muscle relaxants are widely used as adjuncts in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain, but evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

17.

The ryanodine receptor: a pivotal Ca2+ regulatory protein and potential therapeutic drug target.

Author: DulhuntyAngela F, CasarottoMarco G, BeardNicole A

Cardiac arrhythmias
Skeletal myopathies

The ryanodine receptor (RyR) is crucial for calcium signaling in heart and skeletal muscles. Mutations in RyR can cause muscle disorders. This review discusses the mutations causing skeletal myopathies and cardiac arrhythmias, highlighting potential therapeutic targets within the RyR protein for future drug development.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

18.

'Fatal 2,4-dinitrophenol poisoning... coming to a hospital near you'.

Author: SiegmuellerClaas, NarasimhaiahRaghunanda

Dinitrophenol poisoning
Hyper-metabolic state
Respiratory failure

This case report highlights the danger of dinitrophenol poisoning, a substance available online for weight loss despite being banned due to serious side effects. The report emphasizes the need for awareness of potential poisoning cases and discusses the use of dantrolene as a potential treatment.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

19.

[Treatment of childhood dystonia].

Author: RoubertieA, RozeE, Bahi-BuissonN, PayetC, EchenneB, DoummarD

Treatment of childhood dystonia
Dosage concerns
Side effects

This paper reviewed the various therapeutic options available for childhood-onset dystonia. The rational strategy for therapeutic management of the various types of childhood dystonia is discussed.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : French

21.

Suspected neuroleptic malignant syndrome during quetiapine-clozapine cross-titration.

Author: StonerSteven C, BerryAmy

Creatinine kinase elevations
Deep venous thrombosis
Labile blood pressure
Mental status changes
Muscle rigidity
Pulmonary embolism
Temperature elevation
White blood cell count elevations

A case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) during cross-taper and conversion from quetiapine to clozapine is presented. The patient was treated for NMS, but the diagnosis was never definitively determined as he was also evaluated for septicemia and treated for suspected bacterial infection with antibiotics.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

22.

Calcium antagonists for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Author: PhillipsMargaret F, QuinlivanRosaline

DMD treatment potential

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle condition starting in childhood leading to severe disability and a shortened life span. It is due to a deficiency of the protein dystrophin. Calcium accumulation plays a role in muscle cell damage. It has been suggested that calcium antagonists might reduce calcium load and its toxic effects on muscle cells.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

23.

Pregabalin in the treatment of spasticity: a retrospective case series.

Author: BradleyL J, KirkerS G B

Reduced spasticity
Side effects

Pregabalin may be of value as a systemic agent in the treatment of spasticity, although properly controlled studies with clearly defined outcome measures are required to confirm this finding.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

24.

[Fatal ecstasy intoxication in a 22-year-old man].

Author: StrobbeL, de JaerC P C, LouwerseE S, RozendaalF W

Acidosis
Cerebral oedema
Death
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Hyperkalaemia
Hyperthermia
Hypoglycaemia
Multiple organ failure
Rhabdomyolysis

Ecstasy (MDMA) use can lead to serious health complications, including hyperthermia, which can be life-threatening. A 22-year-old man died after four days of treatment for MDMA intoxication, which caused hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, hypoglycemia, acidosis, and multiple organ failure.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Dutch

25.

Pharmacotherapy of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.

Author: VerrottiAlberto, GrecoRita, SpaliceAlberto, ChiarelliFrancesco, IannettiPaola

Botulinum toxin type A spasticity treatment
Intrathecal baclofen spasticity treatment
Intramuscular alcohol spasticity treatment

This review discusses the pharmacologic armamentarium for the treatment of spasticity in neurologic patients. It highlights the use of oral and parenteral medications, including benzodiazepines, baclofen, dantrolene sodium, alpha 2 adrenergic agonists, botulinum toxin type A and B, and alcohol.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

26.

Malaria parasites are rapidly killed by dantrolene derivatives specific for the plasmodial surface anion channel.

Author: KangMyungsa, LiskGodfrey, HollingworthStephen, BaylorStephen M, DesaiSanjay A

Antimalarial development
Unwanted side effects

Dantrolene, a drug used clinically, inhibits the plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC), a unique ion channel found on Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells. This makes dantrolene a potential lead compound for antimalarial development. Researchers tested 164 dantrolene derivatives and found several with higher affinity for PSAC, potentially leading to more effective and safer antimalarial treatments.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, N.I.H., IntramuralFunding provided by the NIH for research projects within the NIH.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

27.

Oral antispastic drugs in nonprogressive neurologic diseases: a systematic review.

Author: MontanéE, VallanoA, LaporteJ R

Spasticity treatment
Drowsiness
Muscle weakness
Sedation

Evidence on the efficacy of oral antispastic drugs in patients with nonprogressive neurologic disease (NPND) is weak and does not include evaluation of patients' quality of life. Adverse drug reactions, such as drowsiness, sedation, and muscle weakness, were common.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

28.

Dantrolene and pleural effusion: case report and review of literature.

Author: Lê-QuangB, CalmelsP, Valayer-ChaléatE, Fayolle-MinonI, GautheronV

Pleural effusion recovery
Pleural effusion

Dantrolene can induce eosinophilic pleural effusion, even without any respiratory symptoms. It is important to consider this drug as a potential cause of pleural effusion, especially in patients taking it chronically.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

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