Quinine for muscle cramps

Cochrane: Muscle cramps can occur anywhere and in anyone; however, leg cramps are especially common in older people. Quinine is a medicine which has been used to treat cramps for many years. There is conflicting evidence for its ability to reduce cramps. Quinine can cause serious, even fatal adverse events, especially in overdosage.

Muscle Cramping

Author: Dr Martin Schwellnus University of Cape Town South Africa 2008-07-28

What is a muscle cramp?

The word “cramp” is probably derived from the old High German and Norse root word “cram” which means an uncomfortable squeezing, pressing or pinching ¹. Muscle cramping is a common symptom that is likely to affect most people at some stage during life. It has been reported that 35-60% of elderly persons suffer from cramping ¹, and in one study it has been documented that 37% of the adult population will experience muscle cramping in a year ².