[Action of quinine sulphate on the incidence of muscle cramps during hemodialysis (author's transl)]

Abstract

Muscle cramps are a complication occurring during hemodialysis or in the periods between dialysis in 26% of patients. Out of a group of 21 patients undergoing hemodialysis three times a week for terminal renal failure, eight patients (38%) were selected with and special tendency to develop muscular cramps. Quinine was chosen because of its action upon the neuromuscular end motor plate. A double-blind study was carried out for 16 weeks, divided in two periods of 8 weeks, administering in each one of them either quinine sulphate (300 mg capsule) or placebo at the beginning of hemodialysis. The frequency of muscle cramps was significantly reduced (p < 0.005) by quinine sulphate when compared to placebo. Before and during the study blood tests, liver function, ECG, and EMG were monitored, and ophthalmological and audiometric evaluations were performed. No secondary effects of the administration of quinine sulphate could be found.