Sunday, August 15, 2010
kramp
Conclusion
Although it's clear that quinine and its derivatives should no longer be used routinely to treat muscle cramps, the absence of this treatment option leaves a significant gap in physicians' ability to effectively treat a common problem of older adults. Original research is required to establish a new standard, using either older medications or new ones, for the treatment of muscle cramps.
Clinical Pearls
* Muscle cramps might occur in up to half of older adults, but some research suggests that the majority of patients do not report these symptoms to their physician.
* The current review suggests that non-pharmacologic interventions to treat muscle cramps are probably not helpful.
* Quinine and its derivatives may improve muscle cramps, but these medications are associated with significant, primarily hematologic, adverse event. They should not be used routinely for the treatment of muscle cramps.
* Small studies have suggested that gabapentin, diltiazem, and B complex vitamins are effective for muscle cramps. However, the results of these studies should be confirmed in larger trials.
Although it's clear that quinine and its derivatives should no longer be used routinely to treat muscle cramps, the absence of this treatment option leaves a significant gap in physicians' ability to effectively treat a common problem of older adults. Original research is required to establish a new standard, using either older medications or new ones, for the treatment of muscle cramps.
Clinical Pearls
* Muscle cramps might occur in up to half of older adults, but some research suggests that the majority of patients do not report these symptoms to their physician.
* The current review suggests that non-pharmacologic interventions to treat muscle cramps are probably not helpful.
* Quinine and its derivatives may improve muscle cramps, but these medications are associated with significant, primarily hematologic, adverse event. They should not be used routinely for the treatment of muscle cramps.
* Small studies have suggested that gabapentin, diltiazem, and B complex vitamins are effective for muscle cramps. However, the results of these studies should be confirmed in larger trials.
# posted by roodbont @ 12:53 AM 
