CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Jo Murrell,
Medication: Dantrolene
Medication: Dantrolene
Your cat has been prescribed dantrolene for the management of muscle spasm, such as urethral spasm or tetanus.
Key points:
• Muscle relaxant.
• Give with or without food.
• No products are licensed for use in pets. Your veterinarian will explain off-licence use of this medication to you.
• Dosage: twice daily.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Dantrolene (dan-troh-leen).
Class of medication
- Muscle relaxant.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed dantrolene?
Your veterinarian has prescribed dantrolene for the management of unwanted muscle spasm, such as urethral spasm that may be preventing urination. This medication may also be used as part of the treatment regime for tetanus.
How is the medication given?
Dantrolene is given orally (as capsules). It is administered twice daily with or without food.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Dantrolene should not be administered to animals with liver disease. It should be used with caution if your pet has heart or lung disease.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Dantrolene tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused dantrolene safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save dantrolene for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Dantrolene should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on dantrolene?
No specific tests are required while your cat is taking dantrolene but your veterinarian may wish to monitor liver function via blood tests.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on dantrolene can be found on the package insert.
Europe & UK
- There are no veterinary drugs containing dantrolene licensed for use in cats in the UK. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human drug containing dantrolene and will be able to explain the use of off-license medications to you.
US
- There are no veterinary drugs containing dantrolene licensed for use in cats in the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human drug containing dantrolene and will be able to explain the use of off-license medications to you.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.