Dantrolene (RYANODEX) is an intravenous nanosuspension of dantrolene sodium used as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent to treat malignant hyperthermia (MH) – a life-threatening condition triggered by succinylcholine and halogenated volatile anesthetic gases creating sustained skeletal muscle contraction due to a defect in the release/reuptake of calcium. Dantrolene works by inhibiting calcium-induced calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum/T-tubule network leading to skeletal muscle relaxation.
Compared to traditional dantrolene formulations, a vial of RYANODEX contains 250 mg of dantrolene (pictured) and requires only 5 cc of sterile water to reconstitute. Traditional vials contain ~ 20 mg of dantrolene per vial, and each requires > 50 cc of sterile water to constitute. In addition, the initial dose of dantrolene for MH is 2.5 mg/kg, so providers are saving a tremendous amount of time using RYANODEX… especially in an emergency like MH.
Although I have never encountered MH, having it on my radar as an anesthesiologist and intensivist is incredibly important as this condition is lethal without proper diagnosis and treatment!
Drop me a comment below with questions! 🙂
As a GP, what are the main symptoms/signs to early detect MH? And what would be the bests initial manegement strategies (before anastesiologist consult)?
Thanks!
The answers to your questions are better summarized on tables for the management of malignant hyperthermia. Here’s an example: link to post
Fabulous! You’re a life saver Dr. Rishi, thanks a lot brother. I’m happy to know about RYANODEX- It’ll save a lot of time right. God bless…
Glad you found it helpful! 🙂