Dantrolene Sodium and Ginkgo

• Generic Name: dantrolene
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Dantrium, Dantrium Intravenous, Revonto, Ryanodex

Used orally for management of spasticity resulting from upper motor neuron disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, stroke syndrome).

Evidence supporting use is limited and the drug is associated with many adverse effects, some of which may be severe (e.g., hepatotoxicity); however, subtle but meaningful improvement (e.g., decrease in severity of spasticity, ability to resume daily function) may occasionally occur in some patients.

Ineffective in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Not indicated for the treatment of muscle spasms resulting from rheumatic disorders or musculoskeletal trauma.

IV treatment of fulminant hypermetabolism of skeletal muscle that is characteristic of malignant hyperthermia crisis; should be used with and not as a substitute for supportive measures (e.g., oxygen, treatment of metabolic acidosis, cooling procedures).

Dantrolene sodium for injectable suspension (Ryanodex) is designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use.

Also has been used preoperatively to prevent or attenuate the development of malignant hyperthermia in susceptible individuals; however, prophylactic use no longer recommended because of adverse effects and questionable benefit.

Has been used for the treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome; fatalities reported despite therapy with the drug.

• Generic Name: ginkgo
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Ginkgo biloba, Gingko Biloba

Ginkgo is an herb also known as Ginkgo biloba, Abricot Argenté Japonais, Adiantifolia, Arbre aux Écus, Arbre du Ciel, Arbre Fossile, Bai Guo Ye, Baiguo, Extrait de Ginkgo, Fossil Tree, Graine de Ginkgo, Herba Ginkgo Biloba, Japanese Silver Apricot, Kew Tree, Maidenhair Tree, Noyer du Japon, Pei Go Su Ye, Salisburia Adiantifolia, Yen Xing, Yinhsing, and other names.

Ginkgo has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in improving mental function or treating anxiety, dementia, leg pain caused by blood circulation problems, premenstrual symptoms, vision problems caused by glaucoma or diabetes, vertigo (dizziness), or a movement disorder (tardive dyskinesia) caused by taking certain antipsychotic drugs.

Ginkgo has also been used to treat seasonal affective disorder, age-related memory loss, asthma, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, cocaine addiction, or sexual problems caused by taking antidepressants. However, research has shown that ginkgo may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Research has shown that ginkgo is not likely to be effective in treating heart disease.

Other uses not proven with research have included altitude sickness, macular degeneration (age-related vision loss), attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, vitiligo (discolored skin), migraines, bronchitis, digestion problems, urination problems, skin sores, high cholesterol, Raynaud's syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, blood clots, stroke, and cancer.

It is not certain whether ginkgo is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Ginkgo should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Ginkgo is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Ginkgo may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.