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Chemical Name: DANTROLENE (DAN-troe-leen)
This medicine is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms caused by stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, or multiple sclerosis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: Dantrolene may cause serious, even fatal, liver problems, especially when using larger amounts (over 800mg/day) of dantrolene. This risk appears to be greater in women, in people over 35 years of age, and in those people using other medicines at the same time. To minimize the possibility of getting liver problems from this medicine, your doctor will monitor you and test for liver conditions. Promptly notify your doctor if you have signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, severe stomach or abdominal pain, or unusual fatigue. Do not take more dantrolene than prescribed. If there is no noticeable improvement in your condition after 45 days of use, your doctor must be notified and dantrolene should be stopped. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking verapamil. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of liver conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it if it is within 1 hour of the missed dose. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL without first discussing with your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, unusual tiredness, nausea, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, bloody or black tarry stools, or skin rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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