Abstract | OBJECTIVE: DESIGN: A random-order, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed. SETTING: The study was conducted at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vt. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-seven male veterans, aged 38 to 73 years, who experienced at least six leg cramps per month were recruited through the general medicine walk-in clinic or were referred from other clinics. Fifty-five subjects were contacted, 30 were enrolled consecutively, and 27 completed the study. INTERVENTION: Subjects received, in random order, quinine sulfate (200 mg at supper and 300 mg at bedtime), vitamin E (800 U at bedtime), or placebo for 4-week periods. These periods were separated by 4-week washout intervals. OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients reported cramp frequency, severity, and sleep disturbance caused by cramps. RESULTS: Compared with treatment with placebo, quinine reduced the frequency of cramps and sleep disturbance, but not the average cramp severity. Thirteen of 27 patients had at least a 50% reduction in the number of cramps while receiving quinine; the response was usually seen within 3 days. There was evidence of a mild increase in side effects while subjects received quinine. Vitamin E was not effective in reducing leg cramp frequency, severity, or sleep disturbance. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | P S Connolly, E A Shirley, J H Wasson, D W Nierenberg |
Journal | Archives of internal medicine
(Arch Intern Med)
Vol. 152
Issue 9
Pg. 1877-80
(Sep 1992)
ISSN: 0003-9926 [Print] United States |
PMID | 1520054
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Double-Blind Method
- Humans
- Leg
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Muscle Cramp
(drug therapy)
- Quinine
(therapeutic use)
- Sleep Wake Disorders
(prevention & control)
- Vitamin E
(therapeutic use)
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