Acute
As soon as the malignant hyperthermia reaction is recognized, all anesthetic agents should be discontinued; the administration of 100% oxygen is recommended. Dantrium® Intravenous should be administered by continuous rapid intravenous push beginning at a minimum dose of 1 mg/kg, and continuing until symptoms subside or the maximum cumulative dose of 10 mg/kg has been reached.
If the physiologic and metabolic abnormalities reappear, the regimen may be repeated. It is important to note that administration of Dantrium® Intravenous should be continuous until symptoms subside. The effective dose to reverse the crisis is directly dependent upon the individual’s degree of susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia, the amount and time of exposure to the triggering agent, and the time elapsed between onset of the crisis and initiation of treatment.
Number of vials of Dantrium® IV (20 mg/vial)
needed to treat an MH crisis1, 2
References:
1 Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States Website. www.mhaus.org. (see Medical Professionals' FAQs) Accessed March 18, 2009.
2 Dantrium® IV Full Prescribing Information, Nov. 2008.