Q: For years, I took quinine sulfate for terrible leg cramps. I can’t find it anymore. I’ve checked three pharmacies. Where can I get quinine? -A.K., Denver
A: Quinine is the most popular drug used for leg cramps in the United States, but it was never approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this use. It’s actually for malaria, shocking as that sounds. To boot, an analysis of the substance showed only marginal improvements, like reduction by one leg cramp per week, and no effect on the duration of cramps. Nevertheless, some people swear by quinine and are upset that they can’t easily find it now.
This is because the FDA is cracking down on drugs for which there is little or no formal clinical testing, despite their popularity. Quinine’s unapproved use for leg cramps came under scrutiny when officials looked at the side effects, such as: vision problems, ringing in the ears, chest pain, severe bleeding and an abnormal heartbeat. Weigh those side effects against painful leg cramps, and the decision to use quinine becomes blurred.
Because of more stringent FDA requirements for formal testing of drugs, quinine products will disappear after June 2007, with the exception of one product called Qualaquin (quinine sulfate 324 mg). This pricey version requires a prescription and costs approximately $120 to $150 for a month’s supply. For longer- lasting relief, why not consider simple interventions first?
Drinking a daily cup of Gatorade (or any sports drink) and eating potassium-rich foods can help. Supplements such as B-Complex 50 once daily, magnesium chelate (200mg once or twice daily), L-carnitine (250mg twice daily) and Coenzyme Q10 (50-100mg every morning) can reduce painful muscle cramps in some people. Give each of these a try for a month, or combine a few for enhanced results. Obviously, stretching should help too.
Did you know? In sensitive people with asthma, ammonia-containing glass cleaners may trigger an asthma attack. Use a little white vinegar (1/2 cup) in a quart of water instead.
Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist. Contact her at dearpharmacist.com.
