Compare Dantrium vs. oxybutynin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Dantrium (dantrolene)

Prescription only

Ditropan (oxybutynin)

Prescription or OTC
Relaxes your muscles.

Dantrium (dantrolene) effectively treats malignant hyperthermia (increased temperature and muscle contractions when receiving anesthesia) and is the only medicine used to treat the condition. Dantrium (dantrolene) is not a first-choice treatment for general muscle spasms because it can damage your liver.

Treats overactive bladder.

Ditropan (oxybutynin) is good treatment for overactive bladder, but has more side-effects like dry mouth and constipation than other medicines that work similarly.

Upsides
  • Dantrium (dantrolene) effectively treats malignant hyperthermia.
  • Can be used for muscle spasticity if other medications haven't worked.
  • Available as generic.
  • Available in several different formulations (pill, liquid, gel, patch) that help fit individual preferences.
  • The pill form is available in a cheap, generic version.
  • Works just as well as newer medications on the market in managing symptoms of an overactive bladder.
  • The patch form causes less side effects than the other forms of Ditropan (oxybutynin).
Downsides
  • Not a first-choice treatment for muscle spasms because it can cause liver damage.
  • Can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and sometimes severe diarrhea.
  • Needs routine blood tests since it can injure your liver.
  • Dose needs to be increased slowly to minimize side effects.
  • Raises the risk of falls, especially in older people.
  • Ditropan (oxybutynin) may not be a good treatment option if you also have narrow-angle glaucoma.
  • Causes more side effects like dry mouth than newer medications used for treating overactive bladder.
  • Older people who use Ditropan (oxybutynin) are at higher risk of experiencing memory problems as well as side effects such as confusion and blurry vision.
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Used for
  • Malignant hyperthermia
  • Chronic spasticity
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Injection
  • Pill
  • Extended-release pill
  • Liquid
  • Patch
  • Gel
Price
Lowest price
$25.70
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Lowest price
$12.17
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Reviews
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Side effects
The Dantrium (dantrolene) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
17possible side effects
  • Dry mouth
    35%
  • Constipation
    9%
  • Headache
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Insomnia
    6%
  • Drowsiness
    6%
  • Dizziness
    5%
  • Upset stomach
    5%
  • Nausea
    5%
  • Blurry vision
    4%
  • Dry eyes
    3%
  • Fatigue
    3%
  • Taste changes
    2%
  • Cough
    2%
  • Dry throat
    2%
  • Dry nose
    2%
  • Inability to urinate
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Liver injury
    • Taking 800 mg or more Dantrium (dantrolene) per day
    • Women
    • Over 35 years old
    • Elderly
    • History of liver disease or dysfunction
  • Drowsiness and dizziness
    • Alcohol or recreational drug use
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Lung disease
    • COPD
    • Heart failure
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Drowsiness and confusion
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Vision changes
    • Glaucoma
  • Trouble urinating
    • History of bladder problems
    • History of problems with your intestine
    • Taking more than one medicine for overactive bladder or taking allergy medicines
  • More side effects
    • Taking high doses
    • Age over 65 years
  • Heat exhaustion
    • Outside in hot weather
    • Dehydrated
    • Exercising
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Dantrium (dantrolene)
Learn more about Ditropan (oxybutynin)