Efficacy of dantrolene sodium in the treatment of spasticity.
Dantrolene sodium was effective in controlling spasticity and improving function in 11 of 13 patients taking part in a 14-week double-blind crossover study. Clonus and lower-extremity tendon jerks were reduced in almost all patients (10 and 11 respectively) during dantrolene sodium therapy at 200 to 400 mg/day. Activities of daily living showed marked improvement in 3 cases and moderate improvement in 8. All 13 patients reported decreases in the frequency of intermittent painful spasm. Side effects were minimal and consisted mainly of an initial 3- to 4-day period of weakness and lightheadedness.
Chipman
M
M
Neurology and Physical Medicine Services, Veterans Administration Hospital, and Department of Neurology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
Kaul
S
S
Lambie
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003620:Dantrolene / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D012026:Reflex, Stretch / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D003620:Dantrolene