Implementation of a new dantrolene formulation across a multifacility health system.

Purpose: An initiative to optimize the treatment of malignant hyperthermia in surgical patients through a dantrolene product conversion program is described.

Summary: A large health system's formulary evaluation of a new dantrolene sodium product indicated that despite a higher cost per treatment course, the product could offer key advantages over older formulations of dantrolene in terms of preparation and administration time, product content, and storage requirements. A work group, consisting of pharmacy personnel, an anesthesiologist, a nurse anesthetist, and a representative of the health system's group purchasing organization, determined that a switch to the new dantrolene product would offer both patient care benefits and process benefits.