Dangerous Leg Cramps: Severe Pustular Exanthema Caused by an Over-the-Counter Drug

Symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema caused by valacyclovir.

Drug-related eruptions that appear only on intertriginous or flexural folds and in gluteal areas have recently been termed symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE). We report a case of a 56-year-old woman with acute erythematous rash in the intertriginous areas after treatment with the L-valine ester of acyclovir, valacyclovir. Oral-challenge tests resulted in ery...

Nocturnal leg cramps.

Up to 60 percent of adults report that they have had nocturnal leg cramps. The recurrent, painful tightening usually occurs in the calf muscles and can cause severe insomnia. The exact mechanism is unknown, but the cramps are probably caused by muscle fatigue and nerve dysfunction rather than electrolyte or other abnormalities. Nocturnal leg cramps are associated with vascular disease, lumbar c...

Leg cramps in pregnancy caused by chronic compartment syndrome and relieved by fasciotomy after childbirth

KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE A case of intolerable leg pain in pregnancy, caused by Chronic Compartment Syndrome (CCS), is presented. Increasing amounts of opioids were given throughout the pregnancy. Anesthetical dilemmas and surgery are discussed. In conclusion, early surgery rather than opioids is recommended.

Quinine for Leg Cramps.

Practice Pointers Muscle cramps affect between 50% and 60% of adults.1 Little is known about their pathophysiology, so many remedies are used empirically. A crystalline alkaloid powder extracted from the bark of the South American cinchona tree, quinine is well known for its use in treating malaria and providing the bitter flavor for tonic water. Quinine has been used by the Quechua of South Am...

Quinine: not a safe drug for treating nocturnal leg cramps.