Efficacy of dantrolene sodium in the treatment of spasticity.

Dantrolene sodium was effective in controlling spasticity and improving function in 11 of 13 patients taking part in a 14-week double-blind crossover study. Clonus and lower-extremity tendon jerks were reduced in almost all patients (10 and 11 respectively) during dantrolene sodium therapy at 200 to 400 mg/day. Activities of daily living showed marked improvement in 3 cases and moderate improvement in 8. All 13 patients reported decreases in the frequency of intermittent painful spasm. Side effects were minimal and consisted mainly of an initial 3- to 4-day period of weakness and lightheadedness.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes