April 6, 2015

This December  9, 2014 article from Clinical Gastroenterology Hepatology evaluated a prospective study to evaluate L-carnitine, which is involved in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids, to reduce muscle cramps in patients with cirrhosis.  They were given L-carnitine 300mg, 3 times a day or 4 times a day for 8 weeks.  Muscle cramps were decreased by 43.5% in the 4 time a day dosing vs improvement of 10.5% in the 3 times a day dosing.  No adverse events were reported.  It appears that L-carnitine is safe and effective for reducing muscle cramps in patients with cirrhosis.

Here is the link to the entire article:

L-Carnitine Effectively Reduces Muscle Cramps in Patients with Cirrhosis

God bless you and to your good health!

Joyce Gibb MS, CRNP
Ask The Pharmacist Group, LLC