Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DANTRIUM versus PARAFLEX.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DANTRIUM versus PARAFLEX.
DANTRIUM vs PARAFLEX
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Dantrolene inhibits calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum by binding to the ryanodine receptor (RyR1), thereby reducing intracellular calcium concentration and decreasing muscle contraction.
Centrally acting muscle relaxant; inhibits polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal cord level, possibly by depressing the central nervous system.
Initially 25 mg orally once daily for 7 days, then 25 mg three times daily for 7 days, then 50 mg three times daily for 7 days, then 100 mg three times daily; maximum 400 mg/day in divided doses. For malignant hyperthermia crisis: IV bolus 1 mg/kg, repeated as needed up to 10 mg/kg cumulative dose.
250-500 mg orally once daily, may increase to 500 mg twice daily if needed. Maximum 500 mg/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 8.7-14.4 hours in adults; longer with hepatic dysfunction.
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 2–3 hours, allowing for multiple daily dosing.
Renal: ~65% as unchanged drug; biliary/fecal: ~15% as metabolites; remainder metabolized and eliminated via urine.
Renal excretion of unchanged drug and metabolites accounts for approximately 50% of an oral dose; fecal excretion accounts for about 20%.
Category C
Category C
Skeletal Muscle Relaxant
Skeletal Muscle Relaxant