title: The effect of dantrolene sodium in relation to blood levels in spastic patients after prolonged administration.
abstract: In 25 patients with spasticity, pharmacokinetics and effects of dantrolene sodium were investigated after prolonged administration. A beneficial effect occurred in seven patients. The results were better on 100 mg daily than on a higher daily dose. An increase of the daily dose from 200 to 400 mg was not associated with higher blood levels. Many side effects were noted such as: anorexia, nausea, drowsiness, depression and muscle weakness. From this study we conclude that dantrolene sodium is a muscle relaxant with a weak to moderate effect in patients with spasticity; the effect at doses higher than 200 mg daily is probably poor.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000188:drug therapy; D003620:Dantrolene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010243:Paralysis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D003620:Dantrolene