Prototype Drug Unit 5 & 7- Dantrolene

Question 1

Therapeutic classification

Answer 1

Direct-acting skeletal muscle relaxant, antispasticity agent

Question 2

Pharmacologic classification

Answer 2

Calcium release blocker

Question 3

Therapeutic effects and uses

Answer 3

Used for muscle spasms in the neck and head muscles after a spinal cord injury, stroke, and in cases of CP or MS. Also the preferred drug for treating malignant hypothermia.

Question 4

Mechanism of action

Answer 4

directly relaxes spastic muscles by interfering with the release of calcium ions

Question 5

Adverse effects

Answer 5

Hypersensitivity, Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, speech disturbance, insomnia, mental depression, blurred vision, diplopia, photophobia, vomiting, anorexia, GI upset, crystalluria, urinary frequency urinary retention, nocturia, enuresis, difficult erection

Question 6

Black Box Warning

Answer 6

People have died from liver failure with drug

Question 7

Contraindications

Answer 7

Preexisiting liver disease. When spasticity is necessary to sustain an upright position or balnce when standing or walking. Be careful with patients who have heart or lung problems

Question 8

Drug interactions

Answer 8

CNS depressants including alcohol= additive sedation
Estrogen=hepatotoxicty
Calcium channel blockers= Increased risk of ventricular fibrillation and cardiovascular collapse

Question 9

Herbal/food interactions

Answer 9

Kava or Valerian=additive sedation