What is Dantrium?

Dantrium is the brand name of the active ingredient dantrolene. It is classified as a muscle relaxant that can reduce muscle spasms and lower body temperature. This medication is the drug of choice to treat a condition called malignant hyperthermia, in which a rapid, excessive rise in body temperature, fast and irregular pulse occur during or following surgery or anesthetics. Dantrium helps maintain a level of calcium in the muscle cells, which helps lower body temperature. Although other medications are preferred, Dantrium is still sometimes used to treat spasticity (muscle stiffness and spastic contractions) due to stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or an injury to the spinal cord. Dantrium prevents the release of certain chemicals in the muscles that trigger contractions, which helps prevent and treat the spasms.