Dantron
Generic Name
dantron-8-mg-tablet
Manufacturer
Generic/Various (Historically)
Country
Various (Historically)
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| dantron 8 mg tablet | ৳ 11.00 | ৳ 110.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Dantron is a stimulant laxative belonging to the anthraquinone class. It is primarily used for the short-term treatment of constipation, particularly in terminally ill patients, due to concerns about its genotoxic and carcinogenic potential.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 8 mg - 25 mg daily, usually taken at night. For an 8 mg tablet, 1-3 tablets might be prescribed based on individual need and physician's discretion.
Elderly
Similar to adults, but with caution and careful titration, starting with the lowest effective dose.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution; dose reduction may be necessary. Monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
How to Take
Oral. Take with water, usually at bedtime to allow for overnight action and a bowel movement in the morning.
Mechanism of Action
Dantron acts on the intestinal wall to stimulate peristaltic movements of the colon and increase the secretion of fluid and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen, facilitating bowel evacuation.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
6-12 hours
Excretion
Primarily renal, some biliary.
Half life
Variable (parent drug and active metabolites)
Absorption
Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Metabolism
Hepatic, to active and inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to dantron or any components.
- Acute abdominal pain or undiagnosed abdominal symptoms.
- Intestinal obstruction or paralytic ileus.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Children under 12 years (unless under specialist supervision).
Drug Interactions
Other laxatives
Concurrent use with other laxatives may increase the risk of severe diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance.
Cardiac glycosides
Hypokalemia induced by dantron can potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Diuretics and Corticosteroids
May increase the risk of electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia) when used with diuretics or corticosteroids.
Storage
Store below 25°C (77°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and significant fluid and electrolyte disturbances (especially hypokalemia). Management is symptomatic and supportive, including correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential genotoxicity and carcinogenic concerns. Avoid during breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and has potential genotoxic effects on the infant.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to dantron or any components.
- Acute abdominal pain or undiagnosed abdominal symptoms.
- Intestinal obstruction or paralytic ileus.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Children under 12 years (unless under specialist supervision).
Drug Interactions
Other laxatives
Concurrent use with other laxatives may increase the risk of severe diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance.
Cardiac glycosides
Hypokalemia induced by dantron can potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Diuretics and Corticosteroids
May increase the risk of electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia) when used with diuretics or corticosteroids.
Storage
Store below 25°C (77°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and significant fluid and electrolyte disturbances (especially hypokalemia). Management is symptomatic and supportive, including correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential genotoxicity and carcinogenic concerns. Avoid during breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and has potential genotoxic effects on the infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Very limited, mainly specialist/palliative care settings in some countries
Approval Status
Withdrawn or restricted in many countries due to genotoxic and carcinogenic concerns; primarily used in palliative care settings in some regions.
Patent Status
Expired
Clinical Trials
Primarily historical clinical data supports its efficacy as a laxative. Modern clinical trials are limited due to safety concerns and its restricted use to specific patient populations, mainly palliative care.
Lab Monitoring
- Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance (especially potassium levels), particularly in patients with pre-existing conditions or those on concomitant medications that can affect electrolytes.
- Regular bowel function assessment.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize restricted use to palliative care patients when other laxatives are ineffective or contraindicated, due to genotoxic and carcinogenic concerns.
- Careful monitoring for fluid and electrolyte balance is crucial, especially in vulnerable patients and those on concomitant medications.
- Counsel patients/caregivers thoroughly about the risks, benefits, and the rationale for its restricted use. Avoid prolonged use.
- Consider alternative laxatives as a first-line therapy before initiating dantron.
Patient Guidelines
- Use only as directed by a healthcare professional, strictly adhering to the prescribed dose and duration.
- Do not exceed the prescribed dose or use for longer than recommended due to safety concerns.
- Report any severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, or unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.
- Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to catch up. Do not take more than prescribed.
Driving Precautions
Dantron is not known to directly impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience severe abdominal cramps, dizziness, or weakness, avoid such activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain adequate fluid intake throughout the day.
- Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) if not contraindicated.
- Engage in regular physical activity to promote bowel regularity (as appropriate for the patient's condition).
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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