Dantrolene is a direct-acting skeletal muscle relaxant used for the treatment of management of the fulminant hypermetabolism of skeletal muscle leading to malignant hyperthermia crisis. Chemically, dantrolene is a hydantoin derivative, but does not exhibit antiepileptic activity like other hydantoin derivates such as phenytoin.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Dantrolene depresses excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle by binding to the ryanodine receptor 1, and decreasing intracellular calcium concentration. Ryanodine receptors mediate the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, an essential step in muscle contraction.
- Primary indication
- For use, along with appropriate supportive measures, for the management of the fulminant hypermetabolism of skeletal muscle characteristic of malignant hyperthermia crises in patients of all ages.Curator reviewed · 6 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C14H10N4O5 · 314.257 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2015 · United States, 2005 · European Union, 2024
- Brand names
Resolves to
OZOMQRBLCMDCEG-VIZOYTHASA-NSMILES[O-][N+](=O)C1=CC=C(C=C1)C1=CC=C(O1)\C=N\N1CC(=O)NC1=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 21, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Dantrolene, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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