Nocturnal cramps in the legs are a common symptom. The usual history is that of a severe contraction of the muscles of the calves awakening the patient.
SUMMARYDiphenhydramine hydrochloride (benadryl hydrochloride®) was used in 17 patients with nocturnal cramps in the legs, with prevention of the cramp in all cases. In the first patient treated, quinidine sulfate had given no relief but diphenhydramine hydrochloride was wholly successful. In some patients the cramps failed to return after the drug was discontinued. In others, renewed diphenhydramine therapy relieved the cramps after discontinuance of the drug had resulted in return of the symptom. Conditions in which diphenhydramine therapy would be preferable to the use of quinine or quinidine for relief of leg cramps are discussed.
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