Patient/caregiver was instructed upon mechanism of action of Dantrolene as follows:
- Nerve impulses travel from the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) along the nerves to the muscles.
- Upon conduction of the impulse to the muscles, calcium ion is released from the storage sites inside the muscle.
- This release of calcium helps the contractile units of muscle fibers to slide against one another, resulting in muscle contraction. Thus, calcium plays a significant role in muscle contraction.
- Dantrolene inhibits release of calcium ion from the storage sites inside the muscle. Poor availability of calcium ion leads to failure of the contractile units of muscle fibers to slide against one another.
- This action of dantrolene contributes to inhibition of muscle contractions, relief from muscle spasticity and tightness, and promote relaxation, leading to relief from pain and discomfort.
