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J Korean Neurol Assoc. 2014;32(4):254-258.
- Efficacy of Phenytoin for Nocturnal Muscle Cramps: A Preliminary Study
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Kyung Min Kim
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Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- 야간근육경련의 페니토인 치료효과: 예비연구
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김경민, 이동현 이윤주 이 한 조양제 이병인 허 경
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연세대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실
- Abstract
- Background
Nocturnal muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary, painful muscle contractions that occur in the night and
are accompanied by hardening of the muscles. Many symptomatic treatments have been introduced for nocturnal
muscle cramps, such as quinine, magnesium, and phenytoin. However, the efficacy and safety of these drugs have not
been adequately evaluated. To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of phenytoin treatment for nocturnal muscle cramps,
we conducted a retrospective study of 16 patients with nocturnal muscle cramps.
Methods
We reviewed 16 patients (6 men, 10 women) who suffered frequent nocturnal muscle cramps and were treated
with phenytoin. The patients’ clinical information (age, sex, disease duration, and locations of cramps), treatment dosage,
and frequency of cramps were obtained by reviewing their medical records.
Results
The patients were aged 63.1±14.7?years (mean±SD; age range, 30-80?years; median age, 68?years). Twelve and
four patients received phenytoin doses of 100?and 200?mg/day, respectively. The median duration of medication was
51?days (range, 14-378?days). Phenytoin treatment was effective in all patients; 13 patients (81.3%) experienced a total
remission of their symptoms, and a significant reduction (66.7-85.7%) in the frequency of cramps was found in the
remaining 3 patients. No adverse effects were reported by any of the patients.
Conclusions
While this retrospective study was conducted with only a small number of patients, the clinical results
suggest that phenytoin is a safe and helpful therapy for the treatment of nocturnal muscle cramps. Key Words: Phenytoin, Muscle cramps, Drug therapy
Keywords :
- 초록
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