Dantrolene
Dantrolene
Dantrolene (pronounced dan-TROH-leen) is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasticity, such as that seen in cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury. It is also used in the treatment of malignant hyperthermia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and ecstasy overdose.
Etymology
The term "Dantrolene" is derived from the chemical name 1-[[[5-(4-nitrophenyl)furfurylidene]amino]] hydantoin sodium hydrate.
Usage
Dantrolene works by inhibiting the release of calcium in the muscles, thereby reducing muscle contractions and relieving muscle spasticity. It is usually taken orally, but can also be administered intravenously in emergency situations such as malignant hyperthermia.
Related Terms
- Muscle Spasticity: A condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted.
- Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture.
- Multiple Sclerosis: A potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
- Spinal Cord Injury: Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal.
- Malignant Hyperthermia: A potentially fatal reaction to certain medications used during general anesthesia.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A life-threatening neurological disorder most often caused by an adverse reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs.
- Ecstasy Overdose: A potentially fatal condition resulting from the use of the drug ecstasy.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dantrolene
- Wikipedia's article - Dantrolene
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