Study of Orphenadrine' in the Treatment of Muscle Cramps in Patients With Cirrhosis
Study of Orphenadrine' in the Treatment of Muscle Cramps in Patients With Cirrhosis
Muscle cramps are common in patients with liver disease and associated with significantly
 diminished quality of life. Patients with cirrhosis often experience muscle cramps with
 varied frequency and severity. The exact mechanisms by which they occur remain unclear,
 although a number of pathophysiological events unique to liver disease may contribute.
 Clinical studies have identified alterations in 3 areas: nerve function, energy metabolism,
 and plasma volume/electrolytes (1) Orphenadrine is an anticholinergic drug with prominent
 central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral actions used to treat painful muscle spasms and
 other similar conditions. The combination of anticholinergic effects and CNS penetration make
 orphenadrine useful for pain of all etiologies, including from: radiculopathy, muscles, and
 headaches. [3,4]
Muscle cramps are common in patients with liver disease and associated with significantly
 diminished quality of life. Patients with cirrhosis often experience muscle cramps with
 varied frequency and severity. The exact mechanisms by which they occur remain unclear,
 although a number of pathophysiological events unique to liver disease may contribute.
 Clinical studies have identified alterations in 3 areas: nerve function, energy metabolism,
 and plasma volume/electrolytes [1].

 Although a number of mechanisms for cramps in liver disease have been postulated and have
 been targeted by medical therapies, a clear picture of the causal events has not emerged.
 Several agents as vitamin E, human albumin, zinc, taurine, eperisone hydrochloride and
 branched-chain amino acids have shown some benefit in small uncontrolled studies, although
 large randomized controlled trials are lacking [2].

 Orphenadrine is an anticholinergic drug with prominent central nervous system (CNS) and
 peripheral actions used to treat painful muscle spasms and other similar conditions. The
 combination of anticholinergic effects and CNS penetration make orphenadrine useful for pain
 of all etiologies, including from: radiculopathy, muscles, and headaches. [3,4] Orphenadrine
 is structurally related to diphenhydramine and carries relatively stronger anticholinergic
 and weaker sedative properties, It is mostly excreted through the kidneys.[5]
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Cirrhosis

 -  Muscle cramps( ≥3 cramps per week )

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  • Allergy to orphenadrine

 -  Renal impairment

 -  Pregnant and lactating women

 -  Peripheral vascular disease

 -  Peripheral neuropathy

 -  Medications as calcium channel blockers, conjugated estrogens and naproxen.
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