Efficacy of dantrolene sodium in the treatment of spasticity.

Abstract

Dantrolene sodium was effective in controlling spasticity and improving function in 11 of 13 patients taking part in a 14-week double-blind crossover study. Clonus and lower-extremity tendon jerks were reduced in almost all patients (10 and 11 respectively) during dantrolene sodium therapy at 200 to 400 mg/day. Activities of daily living showed marked improvement in 3 cases and moderate improvement in 8. All 13 patients reported decreases in the frequency of intermittent painful spasm. Side effects were minimal and consisted mainly of an initial 3- to 4-day period of weakness and lightheadedness.

• Authors: M Chipman, S Kaul, M Lambie
• Journal: Diseases of the nervous system (Dis Nerv Syst) Vol. 35 Issue 9 Pg. 427-31 (Sep 1974) ISSN: 0012-3714 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17894068 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Muscle Relaxants, Central
• Dantrolene

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living
• Adult
• Cross-Over Studies
• Dantrolene (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Hemiplegia (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle Relaxants, Central (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Muscle Spasticity (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Paraplegia (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Reflex, Stretch (drug effects)
• Treatment Outcome