provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Dantrolene Coupon - Dantrolene 25mg capsule

dantrolene

Generic Dantrium
Used for Spasticity
Used for Spasticity

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 12, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Dantrolene (Dantrium)?

What is Dantrolene (Dantrium) used for?

How Dantrolene (Dantrium) works

Dantrolene (Dantrium) is a muscle relaxant. It's not exactly known how dantrolene (Dantrium) works, but it's thought to block the release of calcium in muscles, which stops your muscles from contracting.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDantrium, Revonto, Ryanodex
Drug ClassMuscle relaxant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$92.78(save 70.76%)
GoodRx discount
$27.13
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Dantrolene (Dantrium)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Weakness
  • Tiredness
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea

Other Side Effects

  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Change in vision
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fast heart beat
  • Slurred speech

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Liver problems: stomach bloating, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine

Source: DailyMed

More on Dantrolene (Dantrium) side effects

Dantrolene: side effects dantrolene

6 Dantrolene Side Effects to Know About

Written by Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Serious side effects are very rare when dantrolene is taken for a short time, for example, when it is used for a few days before, during, or after surgery or anesthesia to prevent or treat malignant hyperthermia. However, serious side effects may occur, especially when the medicine is taken for a long time.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Bloody or black, tarry stools

bloody or dark urine

bluish color changes in skin color

changes in speech

chest pain

confusion

constipation

convulsions (seizures)

decrease in frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

difficult urination

difficulty in moving

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

difficulty in swallowing

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

increased frequency of urination

increased urge to urinate during the night

joint pain

light-colored stools

lightheadedness

loss of bladder control

mental depression

muscle aching or cramping

muscle pains or stiffness

muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities

nausea and vomiting

pain in lower back

pain or burning while urinating

pain, tenderness, or changes in skin color

painful urination

severe stomach pain

shortness of breath

skin rash, hives, or itching

slow or troubled breathing

sudden decrease in amount of urine

sudden loss of consciousness

swelling of foot or leg

swollen joints

unusual tiredness or weakness

upper right abdominal pain

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

waking to urinate at night

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

dizziness

drowsiness

general feeling of discomfort or illness

muscle weakness

Less common

Abdominal or stomach cramps or discomfort

abnormal hair growth

acne-like rash

blurred or double vision or any change in vision

change in taste

chills and fever

disturbed color perception

excessive tearing

halos around lights

headache

itching skin

loss of appetite

night blindness

overbright appearance of lights

redness of skin

seeing double

skin rash, encrusted, scaly and oozing

sleeplessness

slurring of speech or other speech problems

sudden decrease in amount of urine

sweating

trouble in sleeping

tunnel vision

unable to sleep

unusual nervousness

weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Dantrolene (Dantrium)

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken by mouth

Available as a lower-cost generic form

Might be an option for children as young as 5 years old

thumbs-down

Cons

Taken multiple times a day

Can cause drowsiness and dizziness

Raises risk for serious liver problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Dantrolene (Dantrium)

pharmacist

  • If you're taking dantrolene (Dantrium) to prevent malignant hyperthermia during surgery, make sure you know when you should start the medication and when to stop. Usually the last dose is taken three or four hours before surgery.

    • You can take dantrolene (Dantrium) with or without food, but if it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food to help.

      • Swallow dantrolene (Dantrium) capsules whole. Don't open, chew, or crush them. If you're having trouble swallowing the capsules, let your provider know.

        • Tell your provider about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you're taking before starting dantrolene (Dantrium). Some medications can interact with dantrolene (Dantrium) and cause more severe side effects. For example, taking benzodiazepines, sleep medications, or anxiety medications can worsen sleepiness and dizziness. Don't start any new medications until you've asked your provider or pharmacist if it's safe to take with dantrolene (Dantrium).

          • Diarrhea is a common side effect. Make sure to stay hydrated. If the diarrhea isn't getting better, let your provider know. You'll likely need to lower your dose or stop the medication.

            • Dantrolene (Dantrium) can cause sleepiness and dizziness, which raises your risk for falls and affect your ability to think, focus, and react. Don't drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you.

              • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking dantrolene (Dantrium) because doing so can worsen dizziness and sleepiness. In addition, alcohol can damage the liver, which can raise your risk for liver problems from dantrolene (Dantrium).

                • Side effects from dantrolene (Dantrium), such as dizziness and tiredness, are more likely to happen when you first start taking the medication and with dose changes. They should get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. But if you're having side effects that are too bothersome, let your provider know. You might need to lower the dose or stop taking the medication.

                  • Dantrolene (Dantrium) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. To protect your skin, make sure to wear sunscreen when going outside, wear long-sleeved clothing, and avoid being exposed to light or sun for a long time as much as possible.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Dantrolene (Dantrium)

                    How long does dantrolene (Dantrium) take to work?
                    It might take about one and a half hours for dantrolene (Dantrium) to start working. If you're taking dantrolene (Dantrium) to help prevent malignant hyperthermia before surgery, your provider will ask you to start this medication 1 to 2 days before your procedure to give it time to work. Keep in mind that everyone responds differently to medications. Talk to your provider if you're concerned with how quickly dantrolene (Dantrium) is working for you.
                    Is dantrolene (Dantrium) a controlled substance?
                    No, dantrolene (Dantrium) isn't a controlled substance because it doesn't have a risk of dependence or addiction.
                    What's the difference between dantrolene (Dantrium) and baclofen?
                    Both dantrolene (Dantrium) and baclofen are muscle relaxants approved for long-term muscle spasm or stiffness (spasticity). One difference between them is that dantrolene (Dantrium) is also approved for malignant hyperthermia, while baclofen isn't. Another difference is that dantrolene (Dantrium) can raise the risk for serious liver problems, but baclofen doesn't carry the same risk. Both medications haven't been directly compared to each other, so it's not known if one works better than the other.
                    Is dantrolene (Dantrium) used for serotonin syndrome?
                    No, dantrolene (Dantrium) isn't typically used to treat serotonin syndrome, a condition where serotonin levels in your body get too high. While symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include muscle stiffness, dantrolene (Dantrium) doesn't block serotonin and isn't approved to treat this condition.
                    GoodRxEducationalIcon

                    How to save using GoodRx

                    Compare Prices
                    1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                    Select your free coupon
                    2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                    Show coupon to your pharmacist
                    3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                    Get free couponLearn more
                    warings-icon

                    What are the risks and warnings for Dantrolene (Dantrium)?

                    Dantrolene (Dantrium) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Liver injury

                    • Risk factors: Taking at least 800 mg of dantrolene (Dantrium) per day | Taking other medications that cause liver damage | Females | Adults ages 35 years and older

                      Dantrolene (Dantrium) can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening liver damage. While liver problems can develop any time, it's more commonly reported by people who've taken dantrolene (Dantrium) for 3 months or longer. Sometimes, people who have liver problems might not feel any physical symptoms, so your provider will order blood tests regularly to check your liver health. To lower your risk of liver damage, your provider might ask you to stop taking dantrolene (Dantrium) after 45 days if this medication still hasn't helped your condition.

                      Let your provider know about all the medications you're taking before you start dantrolene (Dantrium) so they can see if you're taking other medications that can cause liver damage, like acetaminophen (Tylenol). Get medical attention if you notice stomach bloating or pain, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, stool changes (black, tarry, or bloody stools), or dark or brown urine.

                      dosage

                      Dantrolene (Dantrium) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 90 capsules of 25mg of Dantrolene (Dantrium) is $27.13 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 70.76% off the average retail price of $92.78.
                      capsule
                      Capsule
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      25mg90 capsules$27.13$0.30
                      50mg90 capsules$43.76$0.49
                      100mg90 capsules$45.87$0.51

                      Typical dosing for Dantrolene (Dantrium)

                      Chronic spasticity

                      • Adults: The typical starting dose is 25 mg by mouth once a day. If needed, your provider might raise your dose every week. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg three times a day. The maximum dose is 100 mg four times a day.

                      • Children (ages 5 years and older): Your child's provider will determine the dose based on your child's body weight. The typical starting dose is 0.5 mg/kg by mouth once a day. If needed, your provider might raise your dose every week. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 0.5 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg (up to 100 mg) three times a day.

                      Malignant hyperthermia

                      • Your provider will determine your dose based on your body weight. The typical dose ranges from 4 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg daily, taken by mouth in 3 to 4 divided doses. You'll usually start this medication 1 to 2 days before surgery. And if you experience a malignant hyperthermia episode, your provider will ask you to continue this medication for 1 to 3 days after surgery to prevent future episodes from happening.

                      Dantrolene is also available as an injection (IV) (Revonto, Ryanodex) for the prevention or treatment of malignant hyperthermia in people in the hospital.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Dantrolene (Dantrium) and other drugs

                      Dantrolene (Dantrium) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Dantrolene (Dantrium). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      drug-cost

                      How much does Dantrolene (Dantrium) cost?

                      To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                      Dantrium (brand)
                      GoodRx lowest price

                      $27.13

                      (save 80.04%)
                      Dantrolene (Dantrium) (generic)
                      GoodRx lowest price

                      $27.13

                      (save 70.76%)
                      View prices & coupons
                      contraindications-icon

                      Dantrolene (Dantrium) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dantrolene (Dantrium) will not be safe for you to take.
                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Dantrolene (Dantrium)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dantrolene (Dantrium). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Dantrolene (Dantrium)
                      Used for:
                      $27.13 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
                      Used for:

                      • Muscle stiffness and rigidity

                      $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Baclofen
                      Used for:
                      $10.98 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      images

                      Dantrolene (Dantrium) images

                      Green And Yellow G441 G441 - Dantrolene Sodium 25mg Capsule
                      This medicine is Green And Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "G441 G441".Green And Yellow G441 G441 - Dantrolene Sodium 25mg Capsule
                      Orange And Tan Dantrium 25 Mg 0149 0030 - Dantrolene Sodium 25mg Capsule
                      This medicine is Orange And Tan Capsule Imprinted With "Dantrium 25 Mg 0149 0030".Orange And Tan Dantrium 25 Mg 0149 0030 - Dantrolene Sodium 25mg Capsule
                      Orange And Yellow A-219 A-219 - Dantrolene Sodium 25mg Capsule
                      This medicine is Orange And Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "A-219 A-219".Orange And Yellow A-219 A-219 - Dantrolene Sodium 25mg Capsule
                      Orange And Yellow A-220 A-220 - Dantrolene Sodium 50mg Capsule
                      This medicine is Orange And Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "A-220 A-220".Orange And Yellow A-220 A-220 - Dantrolene Sodium 50mg Capsule
                      Orange And Yellow A-221 A-221 - Dantrolene Sodium 100mg Capsule
                      This medicine is Orange And Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "A-221 A-221".Orange And Yellow A-221 A-221 - Dantrolene Sodium 100mg Capsule

                      Get savings updates for Dantrolene (Dantrium)

                      Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Dantrolene (Dantrium) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                      By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC. (2023). Dantrolene sodium capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2020). Ryanodex dantrolene sodium- dantrolene sodium injection, suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Paladin Labs Inc. (2023). Dantrium® capsules: Dantrolene sodium capsules - capsules, 25 mg, oral. 

                      View All References (3)

                      Ratto, D., et al. (2023). Dantrolene. StatPearls.

                      USWM, LLC. (2021). Revonto- dantrolene sodium injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Volpi-Abadie, J., et al. (2013). Serotonin syndrome. Ochsner Journal.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                      Was this page helpful?

                      Browse medications

                      View All

                      Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.