Which medication is used to treat muscle rigidity in Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?

Which medication is used to treat muscle rigidity in Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?

• A. Levodopa
• B. Diazepam
• C. Dantrolene
• D. Bromocriptine

Answer: (C)

Muscle rigidity in neuroleptic malignant syndrome comes from dopamine blockade causing excessive skeletal muscle contraction. Dantrolene directly relaxes skeletal muscle by inhibiting calcium release in muscle cells, which lowers contraction strength. This reduction in calcium-driven rigidity helps alleviate the stiffness and decreases heat production from muscle activity, aiding cooling and overall stabilization. Other drugs like bromocriptine can help by restoring dopamine signaling and diazepam can calm agitation, but they don’t address the muscle contraction as effectively as dantrolene. Monitor for potential hepatotoxicity and ensure supportive care as the patient stabilizes.

Muscle rigidity in neuroleptic malignant syndrome comes from dopamine blockade causing excessive skeletal muscle contraction. Dantrolene directly relaxes skeletal muscle by inhibiting calcium release in muscle cells, which lowers contraction strength. This reduction in calcium-driven rigidity helps alleviate the stiffness and decreases heat production from muscle activity, aiding cooling and overall stabilization. Other drugs like bromocriptine can help by restoring dopamine signaling and diazepam can calm agitation, but they don’t address the muscle contraction as effectively as dantrolene. Monitor for potential hepatotoxicity and ensure supportive care as the patient stabilizes.