What it means
A skeletal muscle relaxant that stops calcium from being released inside muscle cells. Given IV, it is the only specific treatment for malignant hyperthermia, a reaction to some anesthetic gases or succinylcholine. By mouth it eases long-term muscle stiffness from spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis.
For the nurse
Know where the malignant hyperthermia cart is; the IV forms are mixed with sterile water quickly in an emergency. With long-term oral use, liver tests are checked, because it can damage the liver.
At a glance
| Drug class | skeletal muscle relaxant (direct-acting) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Dantrium, Revonto, Ryanodex |
| Also written | Dantrium, Revonto, Ryanodex |
Related terms
anesthesia
Loss of feeling or sensation, often brought on by drugs so that surgery or a procedure can be done without pain.
skeletal muscle
Muscle attached to bones that a person moves by choice, such as the muscles of the arms and legs.
hyperthermia
A body temperature that is higher than normal because the body takes in or makes more heat than it can lose.
MH
An abbreviation with more than one meaning, most often mental health or malignant hyperthermia; the setting shows which.