Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking dantrolene as follows:
- Take the medication at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Taking the medication at regularly spaced intervals helps to maintain appropriate blood levels of dantrolene needed to derive the desired beneficial effects and also prevent toxicity with the medication.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your physician.
- Oral dantrolene can induce some nausea and vomiting, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Dantrolene can also induce extreme constipation and abdominal distention, leading to functional intestinal obstruction and abdominal pain. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.
- Dantrolene administered into the vein can result in inflammation of the vein with redness and swelling of the site. Individuals could experience intense pain and tenderness at the site of injection. In severe cases, dantrolene administered as a shot can result in necrosis of body tissue at the site of injection. Watch for signs and symptoms of inflammation at the site of injection. Report any uncontrolled pain, tenderness, and worsening discoloration at the injection site to your physician for appropriate recommendation.
