As per a study, a new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology suggests that the drug quinine, even though effectual, ought to be evaded for treatment of usual muscle cramps owing to rare but grave side effects.
The guideline mentions that quinine must be taken into account only when cramps may be exceedingly immobilizing, when no other drugs seem to alleviate the symptoms, and when side effects are vigilantly checked. Apparently, the guideline also states that the drug should be administered only after the affected person is well-versed about the likely grave side effects.
The guideline is said to have discovered that naftidrofuryl, diltiazem and vitamin B complex could be considered for use in the treatment of muscle cramps, but more studies is required to assess its safety and efficacy. Moreover, the guideline authors evaluated studies on the use of calf stretching to treat muscle cramps, but adequate evidence to find out whether it is an effectual therapy is not present.
Muscle cramps could also arise with neurologic disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and peripheral neuropathy. They may also crop up with other problems such as hypothyroidism and less amount of calcium levels in the blood.
The guideline apparently did not assess treatments for muscle cramps occurring as a result of muscle diseases, kidney diseases, menstruation, pregnancy, or too much exercise, heat or dehydration.
The guideline is published in Neurology.