News|Articles|December 14, 2010

Calcium for Muscle Cramps

Here, a simple option to help relieve a painful symptom.

Consider prescribing calcium with vitamin D (600 mg/400 IU, 2 or 3 times a day) for patients who have nighttime leg cramps. This works very well and is much better tolerated and safer than quinine. Remember that calcium carbonate (unless chewed) requires an acidic environment, so patients who are taking acid reducers should use calcium citrate.

-Jason Sims, DO
Cleveland, Okla

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