Final answer:
Dantrolene is a medication used for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia. It is not always dosed at 2.5 mg/kg, and it should be reconstituted with sterile water for injection. It is available in two formulations and is required for hospital operating rooms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dantrolene is a medication used for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur during anesthesia. It is not always dosed at 2.5 mg/kg, as the actual dosage may vary depending on the patient's condition and response to the medication.
Dantrolene is typically reconstituted with sterile water for injection to prepare the solution for intravenous administration. It should not be drawn up in any other type of fluid.
Dantrolene is not discontinued when patients leave the operating room, as it may still be needed for post-operative management or to treat malignant hyperthermia in other settings. It is available in two formulations: oral and injectable. Both formulations are effective, but the choice depends on the patient's condition and the healthcare provider's preference.
In hospital operating rooms, dantrolene is required because it is a lifesaving medication for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia. Office-based and out-of-OR anesthesia locations should also be aware of the nearest dantrolene availability in case a patient needs to be transferred for specialized care.