Study of Orphenadrine' in the Treatment of Muscle Cramps in Patients With Cirrhosis

Summary

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. \[3,4\]

Timeline

Start

2015-01

Primary completion

2028-12

Completion

2028-12

Publications

• Abd-Elsalam S, Ebrahim S, Soliman S, Alkhalawany W, Elfert A, Hawash N, Elkadeem M, Badawi R. Orphenadrine in treatment of muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients: a randomized study. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Aug;32(8):1042-1045. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000001622.

Drugs

Indications