Dantrium Capsules

Dantrium Capsules are used for:

Treating spasms (spasticity) caused by nerve disorders, such as stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, or multiple sclerosis. It may be used prevent or reduce the risk of severe high body temperature (malignant hyperthermia) in certain patients before surgery or anesthesia. It may be used after an episode of severe high body temperature to prevent future episodes. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Dantrium Capsules are a muscle relaxant. It works by interfering with the release of certain substances that are needed by the muscles for contraction, or by restoring a healthy level of calcium in the muscles, which helps to prevent or reduce severe high body temperature.

Do NOT use Dantrium Capsules if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Dantrium Capsules
• you have active liver disease
• your spasticity is needed to maintain an upright posture or balance while walking, or to obtain or maintain increased function

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Dantrium Capsules:

Some medical conditions may interact with Dantrium Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart problems, lung problems (eg, obstructive pulmonary disease), or a history of liver problems
• if you are older than 35 years of age

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dantrium Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Estrogen because the risk of liver problems may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dantrium Capsules may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Dantrium Capsules:

Use Dantrium Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Dantrium Capsules with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of Dantrium Capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dantrium Capsules.

Important safety information:

• Dantrium Capsules may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Dantrium Capsules. Using Dantrium Capsules alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking Dantrium Capsules. Dantrium Capsules will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.
• Dantrium Capsules may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Dantrium Capsules. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
• LAB TESTS, such as liver function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Dantrium Capsules with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 5 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Dantrium Capsules during pregnancy. Dantrium Capsules are excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Dantrium Capsules.

Possible side effects of Dantrium Capsules:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately.

Store at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from light, heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Dantrium Capsules out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Dantrium Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Dantrium Capsules are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Dantrium Capsules. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.