Nocturnal Leg Cramps in Older People

Overview

Journal Postgrad Med J

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2002 Nov 5

PMID 12415081

Citations 14

Authors

J V Butler

E C Mulkerrin

S T OKeeffe

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Nocturnal leg cramps are common in older people. Such cramps are associated with many common diseases and medications. Physiological methods may be useful for preventing cramps in some people, but there have been no controlled trials of these approaches. Quinine is moderately effective in preventing nocturnal leg cramps. However, there are concerns about the risk/benefit ratio with this drug. In patients with severe symptoms, a trial of 4-6 weeks' treatment with quinine is probably still justified, but the efficacy of treatment should be monitored, for example using a sleep and cramp diary.

Citing Articles

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A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study assessing the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate in the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps.

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Non-drug therapies for the secondary prevention of lower limb muscle cramps.

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Effect of Magnesium Oxide Supplementation on Nocturnal Leg Cramps: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Roguin Maor N, Alperin M, Shturman E, Khairaldeen H, Friedman M, Karkabi K JAMA Intern Med. 2017; 177(5):617-623.

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