What is the route of administration for dantrolene in malignant hyperthermia?

• A. Intravenous
• B. Intramuscular
• C. Oral
• D. Subcutaneous

Answer: (A)

During malignant hyperthermia, the goal is to rapidly halt the unchecked calcium release in skeletal muscle to stop the hypermetabolic crisis. Dantrolene works by blocking calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which reduces muscle contraction and heat production. To achieve a quick, controllable effect, it must reach the bloodstream fast, making intravenous administration the standard approach in an MH crisis. IV dosing allows immediate onset and easy titration. Oral dantrolene isn’t suitable for acute management because absorption is slower and onset is delayed, and intramuscular or subcutaneous routes don’t provide the rapid, reliable effect needed in an emergency.