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Quinine sulfate for leg cramps: does it work?
1Dept. of General Internal Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA 17822-1401.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Quinine did not significantly reduce the frequency, duration, or intensity of nocturnal leg muscle cramps in a randomized trial. Clinicians should weigh potential benefits against risks like side effects and drug interactions.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nocturnal leg muscle cramps are a common complaint.
- Effective preventative treatments are sought.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of quinine for preventing nocturnal leg muscle cramps.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, randomized, crossover trial.
- 200 mg quinine at bedtime versus placebo.
- Assessed cramp frequency, duration, and intensity.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant reduction in cramp number (quinine 3.5 vs placebo 4.2, P=0.48).
- No significant difference in cramp duration (quinine 152s vs placebo 163s, P=0.89).
- No significant difference in reported severity (quinine 4.2 vs placebo 4.0, P=0.83).
Conclusions:
- Quinine showed no significant benefit in reducing nocturnal leg cramp symptoms.
- Potential side effects and drug interactions necessitate careful consideration of quinine use.