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Compare Dantrium vs. Propranolol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Dantrolene (Dantrium) and propranolol (Inderal LA) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle stiffness or spasms and prevent malignant hyperthermia during surgery. It works by blocking the release of calcium in muscles, which stops them from contracting. On the other hand, propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker that helps with high blood pressure, chest pain, migraines, and tremors by slowing down your heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. Dantrolene is taken multiple times a day, while propranolol can be taken once daily if using the extended-release form. Dantrolene can cause liver problems, while propranolol can hide symptoms of low blood sugar and is not safe for people with asthma. Both medications are available in generic forms and can cause dizziness and tiredness.

  • Dantrolene (Dantrium)
    Propranolol
  • Dantrolene (Dantrium)
    Propranolol

  • Summary of Dantrium vs. Propranolol

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Dantrolene sodium is a muscle relaxant. Dantrolene (Dantrium) is used for muscle stiffness or spasms (spasticity), including a severe and potentially life-threatening problem in people receiving surgery called malignant hyperthermia. Dantrolene (Dantrium) is taken by mouth, typically 3 to 4 times per day, by adults and children ages 5 years and older. Dantrolene sodium is also available as injections (Ryanodex and Revonto) given in hospital settings. Some side effects of dantrolene (Dantrium) include sleepiness, dizziness, and diarrhea.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker. It helps with a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. Sometimes, providers prescribe propranolol off-label to ease performance anxiety. You take this medication by mouth, typically 1 to 4 times daily, depending on if you're taking the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) medication. Keep in mind the IR and ER versions don't treat the same medical conditions. Some of the more common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.

  • Indications of Dantrium vs. Propranolol

    Indications for
    •Long-term muscle spasticity from certain nerve-related conditions
    •Prevent or lessen the severity of malignant hyperthermia before procedures
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chronic chest pain
    •Migraine
    •Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
    •Atrial fibrillation (A.Fib)
    •Heart protection after a heart attack
    •Tremors
    •Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)

  • Pros and Cons of Dantrium vs. Propranolol

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic form
    •Might be an option for children as young as 5 years old
    Cons
    •Taken multiple times a day
    •Can cause drowsiness and dizziness
    •Raises risk for serious liver problems
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Long-acting version only needs to be taken once a day
    •Oral solution might be a good option for people who can't swallow pills
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Not safe for people with asthma or certain serious heart conditions
    •Can hide many recognizable symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart beat or tremors, which might prevent timely treatment
    •Missing doses or suddenly stopping propranolol can raise your risk of heart attacks

  • Common Side Effects of Dantrium vs. Propranolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Weakness
    •Tiredness
    •Fatigue
    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Tiredness
    •Feeling weak

  • Warnings of Dantrium vs. Propranolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver injury
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of chest pain or heart attack
    •Higher risk or worsening of heart failure
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Trouble breathing (bronchospastic disease)
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Greater risk during surgery

  • Prices with our coupons for Dantrium vs. Propranolol

    Learn more about Dantrolene
    Learn more about Propranolol

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