A muscle relaxant used for the treatment of chronic severe spasms of voluntary muscles. It is available, on
prescription only, as capsules or as a solution for injection.
Side effects: include transient drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, malaise, fatigue, diarrhoea (treatment should be stopped if this is severe), loss of appetite, nausea, headache, and rash.
Precautions: drowsiness may impair the performance of skilled tasks, and this is exacerbated by alcohol. Dantrolene should not be taken by people with liver disease or acute muscle spasms and should be used with caution in those with heart or lung disease.
Proprietary preparation: Dantrium.
