Loading...
Until recently, quinine was the mainstay of treatment for idiopathic muscle cramps. In 2006, the U.S. FDA ordered the removal of unapproved quinine drugs from the market and warned consumers of off-label use because of serious outcomes associated with such use (Federal Register 2006; 71:75557). To assess the efficacy and toxicity of quinine and other treatments for the symptomatic relief of idiopathic muscle cramps, the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) conducted a systematic review of the literature from 1950 through May 2008.
Of 563 articles regarding symptomatic treatment of muscle cramps, 24 met criteria for final review. The three panel members independently reviewed each arti…