Dantrium

What it is used for

DANTRIUM is indicated in controlling the manifestations of clinical spasticity resulting from serious chronic disorders such as spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis. It is of particular benefit to the patient whose functional rehabilitation has been retarded by the sequelae of spasticity. Such patients must have presumably reversible spasticity where relief of spasticity will aid in restoring residual function. There is no evidence that patients with contractures will benefit. DANTRIUM is not indicated in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders or electroconvulsive therapy. If improvement occurs, it will ordinarily occur within the dosage titration schedule (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION), as manifested by a decrease in the severity of spasticity and the ability to resume a daily function not quite attainable without DANTRIUM. Occasionally, subtle but meaningful improvements in spasticity may occur with DANTRIUM therapy. In such instances information regarding improvement should be solicited from the patient and those who are in constant daily contact and attendance with him. Brief withdrawal of DANTRIUM for a period of 2 to 4 days will frequently demonstrate exacerbation of the manifestation of spasticity and may serve to confirm a clinical impression. A decision to continue the administration of DANTRIUM on a long term basis is justified if introduction of the drug into the patient’s regimen produces a significant reduction in painful and/or disabling spasticity such as clonus, or permits a significant reduction in the intensity and/or degree of nursing care required, or rids the patient of an annoying manifestation of spasticity considered important by the patient himself.