Last update Nov. 21, 2022

Dantrolene Sodium

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

It is a muscle relaxant with direct action on skeletal muscle. Oral administration for the symptomatic relief of severe chronic spasticity. Intravenous administration for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia.

It is excreted in breast milk in a very small concentration (Fricker 1998), much lower than the dose used in newborns and infants, and which would result in lower plasma levels than others that have been measured by placental transfer without side effects in newborns. (Fricker 1998, Shime 1988)

Dantrolene has been used in the neonatal period. (Tsutsumi 2021, Aguilar 1986)

The most common side effects are drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, malaise, fatigue, and diarrhea.

Until more published data is known about this drug in relation to breastfeeding, known safer alternatives are preferable, especially during the neonatal period and in the event of prematurity.

Alternatives

  • Baclofen (Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Dantrolene Sodium in other languages or writings:

Group

Dantrolene Sodium belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Dantrolene Sodium in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 35 %
Molecular weight 399 daltons
Protein Binding Alta / High %
VD 0.51 l/Kg
pKa 8.23 -
Tmax 5 (4 - 6) hours
8.7 (4 - 11) hours
Theoretical Dose 0.18 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 1.5 %

References

  1. Li X, Li C, Zhou Y, Li Z, Xiong X, Wang C, Zhou C, Han B, Yang L, Guo X. Pharmacokinetics of Dantrolene in the Plasma Exchange Treatment of Malignant Hyperthermia in a 14-Year-Old Chinese Boy: A Case Report and Literature Review. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Aug 12;9:918245. Consulted on Nov. 21, 2022 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Tsutsumi YM, Kakuta N, Kawanishi R, Tanaka K, Kanzaki R, Morio A, Noda Y, Miyoshi H, Kondo T, Mukaida K. Malignant hyperthermia in a 16-day-old infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a case report. J Anesth. 2021 Apr;35(2):311-314. Abstract
  3. Endo Par IC LCC. Dantrolene. Drug Summary. 2018 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Fricker RM, Hoerauf KH, Drewe J, Kress HG. Secretion of dantrolene into breast milk after acute therapy of a suspected malignant hyperthermia crisis during cesarean section. Anesthesiology. 1998 Oct;89(4):1023-5. No abstract available. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Shime J, Gare D, Andrews J, Britt B. Dantrolene in pregnancy: lack of adverse effects on the fetus and newborn infant. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1988 Oct;159(4):831-4. Abstract
  6. Aguilar Bernal OR, Bender MA, Lacy ME. Efficacy of dantrolene sodium in management of tetanus in children. J R Soc Med. 1986 May;79(5):277-81. Abstract Full text (link to original source)

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