Use of dantrolene in experimental scorpion envenomation by Androctonus australis hector

Arch Toxicol. 1995;69(8):575-7. doi: 10.1007/s002040050216.

Abstract

Hyperthermia and profuse perspiration are rarely absent in severe cases of scorpion envenomation. Based on these observations, the aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic effects of dantrolene, on experimental poisoning by the venom of Androctonus australis hector. Dantrolene is a directly acting muscle relaxant which lowers the body temperature in malignant hyperthermia. The results indicate that the early use of this drug raises the LD50 in experimentally poisoned mice. If these results are transposable to humans, dantrolene could be a useful therapeutic adjuvant.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antivenins / therapeutic use*
  • Dantrolene / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neuromuscular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Scorpion Venoms / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Spider Bites / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antivenins
  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Scorpion Venoms
  • Dantrolene