Abstract
It has been reported that Shakuyaku-kanzo-to (SK) is useful for preventing muscle cramps in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. In this study, SK was administered to 38 patients who experienced muscle cramps during or between hemodialysis treatments, in order to evaluate the effect of SK on muscle cramps associated with hemodialysis, and determine the optimal dosage regimen for SK. SK was given as a single dose (2.5g) at the occurrence of muscle cramps, before hemodialysis treatment, or as regular doses after meals (2.5g tid) based on the frequency of muscle cramps at baseline. Following initiation of SK treatment, muscle cramp frequency was found to have declined (in 21 of the 38 patients, 55%), in intensity (21/38, 55%) and in duration (27/38, 71%). The efficacy of SK, i.e., the percentage of patients who exhibited improvement in frequency, intensity or duration, was 84% (32/38 patients). Treatment with SK was significantly effective for all types of muscle cramps, regardless of frequency, intensity, and duration. Comparison by dosage regimen indicated that a regimen consisting of a single dose administered at the time of occurrence of muscle cramps was the most effective in 26 of the 32 patients. These results suggested that SK is useful for preventing muscle cramps in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, and that administration of a single dose at the time of occurrence of muscle cramps is the optimal dosage regimen.
