Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Dosage-Adjusted Resistance Training in Mice with a Reduced Risk of Muscle Damage
07:29

Dosage-Adjusted Resistance Training in Mice with a Reduced Risk of Muscle Damage

Published on: August 31, 2022

[Pleural effusion associated with long-term dantrolene administration in three patients with severe motor and

Mari Okada1, Eiji Nakagawa, Tatsuo Masuyama

  • 1Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital for Mental, Nervous and Muscular Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo. mario@ncnp.go.jp

No to Hattatsu = Brain and Development
|February 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Dantrolene treatment for spasticity may cause chronic pleural effusion, a rare chemical pleurisy. Discontinuing the drug often resolves the effusion, highlighting the need for respiratory monitoring in patients on long-term dantrolene.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Severe motor and intellectual disabilities often require long-term spasticity management.
  • Dantrolene is a medication used to treat muscle spasticity.

Observation:

  • Three patients on long-term dantrolene developed chronic unilateral pleural effusion.
  • Pleural fluid analysis revealed sterile exudate, with eosinophilia in one patient and peripheral blood eosinophilia in two.
  • Biopsies showed non-specific inflammatory changes.

Findings:

  • Pleural effusion resolved in two patients after discontinuing dantrolene.
  • The etiology of pleural effusion remained indistinct despite investigations for infection or malignancy.
  • This suggests a potential link between dantrolene and chemical pleurisy.

Implications:

  • Chemical pleurisy should be considered in unexplained pleural effusions, especially in patients on dantrolene.
  • Chronic dantrolene administration necessitates monitoring for potential respiratory side effects.
  • Further investigation into dantrolene-induced pleural disease is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin01:26

Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin

Directly acting muscle relaxants like dantrolene and botulinum toxin (BoNT) have distinct mechanisms and applications. Dantrolene, a hydantoin derivative, acts on the ryanodine receptor (RYR1) in skeletal muscle cells. RYR1 are calcium channels present at the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. In response to excitation, they release calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol. Calcium promotes actin-myosin-mediated contraction of muscles.
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management01:28

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects01:21

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
Flail Chest-II01:26

Flail Chest-II

Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...