Top 6 cramp remedies

There are 2 main types of medicine that can be used to treat cramps: supplements and over-the-counter medicines. Supplements, such as magnesium or biotin, help replace minerals or amino acids that are important for good muscle function, reducing the intensity or preventing the onset of cramps. Medicines such as orphenadrine or cyclobenzaprine can help relieve pain and muscle discomfort caused by more intense cramps.

Cramp is an intense and painful contraction of muscles that can occur during or after physical activities, but can also arise due to more serious problems such as cirrhosis or kidney failure, for example, causing pain or inability to move the affected area of ​​the body. Check out other causes of cramps.

These remedies or supplements should be used under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist, according to the cause of the cramp and nutritional needs, on an individual basis.

Supplements for cramps

Supplements that can help prevent cramps and reduce their intensity are:

1. Magnesium supplement

Magnesium is an important mineral for muscle contraction as it is responsible for transporting calcium, sodium, potassium and chloride into cells, which allows the muscle to function properly. When this mineral is not present in adequate quantities, cramps are common.

Magnesium supplements are, therefore, one of the first remedies recommended for treating cramps, as they prevent a deficiency of this mineral.

Magnesium supplements can be found in pharmacies or drugstores under the trade names Magnesium dimalato, Magnesium Sundown or Magnesium Chloride PA Catarinense, for example. Although they can be purchased without a prescription, they should always be used under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist, as they can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, a drop in blood pressure, drowsiness, double vision or weakness.

2. Biotin supplement

Some studies show that biotin can help reduce cramps during or after hemodialysis in people undergoing treatment for kidney failure.

It is not yet known exactly how biotin helps to reduce cramps, but it is believed that it is because biotin is an essential vitamin for the proper functioning of cells, and improves the use of muscle energy.

Biotin doses must be advised by the doctor responsible for hemodialysis treatment or by the nutritionist, on an individual basis.

3. B complex vitamins

B complex vitamins provide more energy for good muscle contraction, improve blood circulation, and maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system and, in this way, help prevent cramps.

These B complex vitamins can be found in the form of supplements, with the commercial names Complexo B Catarinense or Complexo B Natulab, for example, and should be used with the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.

4. Zinc supplement

Some studies show that people with liver cirrhosis showed improvement and a reduction in cramping episodes after 12 weeks of treatment with zinc supplements.

This is because zinc has a powerful antioxidant action that helps fight free radicals in the body, which can cause damage to muscle cells, and repair muscles.

Zinc supplements can be found under the trade names Zinco Chelato Health Labs or Lavitan Zinco Chelado, for example, and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.

Medicines for cramps

Cramp medications are indicated to treat the pain and discomfort caused by intense cramps, and should be prescribed by a doctor after evaluating the cause of the cramp.

The medications normally indicated for cramps are:

1. Orphenadrine tablets

Orphenadrine is a muscle relaxant indicated for pain caused by muscle contractions, helping to alleviate discomfort after an episode of very intense cramps.

This remedy is usually associated with dipyrone, a substance with analgesic action, and caffeine, which enhances the relaxing and anti-inflammatory effect of orphenadrine.

Orphenadrine can be found under the trade names Dorflex or Doricin, for example, and should only be used with medical advice. Learn how to use orphenadrine.

2. Cyclobenzaprine tablets

Cyclobenzaprine is a medicine that works by causing muscle relaxation by blocking nerve impulses or pain sensations that are sent to the brain that cause muscle contractions, spasms or pain. Although this remedy does not prevent the onset of cramps, it can help relieve pain and muscle discomfort caused by intense cramps.

This remedy should only be used under medical advice and only in adults, for a maximum period of 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. Find out how to take cyclobenzaprine.