Muscle Spasm Drugs - Peripherally Acting

Question 1

What are these used for?

Answer 1

Relax skeletal muscle spasms

Prevent and treat malignant hyperthermia (a side effect of general anesthesia)

Question 2

Examples of what we use these drugs for:

Answer 2

cerebrovascular accident
spinal cord injury
MS
CP

Question 3

Drug for this?

Answer 3

dantrolene (Dantrium)

Question 4

Expected action?

Answer 4

inhibit release of calcium which blocks contraction of muscles

Question 5

Side/adverse effects?

Answer 5

lowered muscle strength
drowsiness
CNS effects
Diarrhea
Liver toxicity

Question 6

Administration?

Answer 6

Oral & IV

Question 7

When given as prophylaxis of malignant hyperthermia?

Answer 7

orally 1-2 days preoperatively

Question 8

Patient instructions

Answer 8

report muscle weakness or prolonged diarrhea

Avoid driving or alcohol

Question 9

Contraindications/precautions

Answer 9

Liver disease
cardiac disease
pulmonary disease
patients older than 35

Question 10

interactions

Answer 10

women older than 35 taking estrogen
alcohol
calcium channel blockers increase cardiac dysrhythmias