The Basics
What is Dantrolene?
Dantrolene is used to treat spasticity or muscle spasms associated with spinal cord injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy.
Brand names for Dantrolene
Dantrium
How Dantrolene is classified
Muscle Relaxants (Central)
Dantrolene During Pregnancy
Dantrolene pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Dantrolene while pregnant
Dantrium has been shown to be embryocidal in the rabbit and has been shown to decrease pup survival in the rat when given at doses seven times the human oral dose. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Dantrium Intravenous should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Taking Dantrolene While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Dantrolene?
Because no information is available on the long-term use of dantrolene during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. After short-term use, the drug would be expected to be eliminated from milk in 1 to 2 days.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because no information is available on the long-term use of dantrolene during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. After short-term use, the drug would be expected to be eliminated from milk in 1 to 2 days.
Possible effects of Dantrolene on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Dantrolene
Baclofen.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Fricker RM, Hoerauf KH, Drewe J et al. Secretion of dantrolene into breast milk after acute therapy of a suspected malignant hyperthermia crisis during cesarean section. Anesthesiology. 1998;89:1023-5. PMID: 9778021
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
