Dantrolene Sodium is a muscle relaxant primarily used to treat severe chronic spasticity and malignant hyperthermia. It acts on skeletal muscle by interfering with the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells, which is crucial for muscle contraction.
Mechanism of Action:
Inhibition of Calcium Release: By binding to the ryanodine receptor (RyR1) located on the sarcoplasmic reticulum, Dantrolene Sodium reduces the release of calcium ions during muscle excitation, thereby weakening the force of muscle contractions.
Muscle Relaxation: This inhibition leads to muscle relaxation and is particularly useful in conditions characterized by excessive muscle stiffness or spasticity.
