Tonic water contains no more than 83 mg of quinine per liter—a much lower concentration than the 500 to 1,000 mg in the therapeutic dose of quinine tablets. Drinking a few ounces of tonic water shouldn’t be harmful, but it isn’t likely to prevent your leg cramps.

Is quinine a muscle relaxant?

Quinine sulfate at a dose of 200–300 mg at night has been used for many years to treat nocturnal leg cramps. Usually idiopathic, these muscle cramps are common, particularly in older patients. Quinine may help by decreasing the excitability of the motor end-plate and increasing the muscle refractory period.

Is tonic water Good for circulation?

Today, people sometimes drink tonic water to treat nighttime leg cramps associated with circulatory or nervous system problems. However, this treatment is not recommended. Quinine is still given in in small doses to treat malaria in tropical regions.

What does tonic water do for leg cramps?

But we think the bitter taste of quinine could be triggering special receptors in the mouth, throat and stomach. Stimulation of these TRP channels can help nerves overcome muscle cramps. Even a small dose of quinine might be helpful.

Does quinine water help leg cramps?

A few small studies suggest that quinine is effective in decreasing the frequency of nocturnal leg cramps but not their severity or duration. Quinine consumed in commercial beverages has been reported to cause potentially fatal immunologically mediated hypersensitivity reactions.

Are there any side effects from drinking tonic water?

Regular consumption of tonic water may lead to side effects like nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, and nervousness. Among the serious side effects are bleeding problems, kidney damage, and abnormal heartbeat.

Does tonic water prevent leg cramps at night?

It’s been suggested that drinking 2 to 3 ounces of tonic water before bedtime can prevent leg cramps at night. Is that true? A. Tonic water—and the quinine it contains—have been promoted for preventing leg cramps for decades despite the lack of evidence that they are effective.

What are the symptoms of nighttime leg twitching?

Symptoms. Nighttime leg twitching. RLS/WED may be associated with another, more common condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes your legs to twitch and kick, possibly throughout the night, while you sleep. People typically describe RLS/WED symptoms as abnormal, unpleasant sensations in their legs or feet.

What should I do if my leg starts twitching?

People who suspect that their leg twitching is due to a medication should not stop taking it unless their doctor advises them to do so. If leg twitching is due to an underlying medical condition, treating the condition should help reduce the frequency of the twitching, its severity, or both. When to see a doctor

Can muscle twitching in the legs cause muscle cramps?

The twitches may be irritating, but they are not usually painful. However, muscle twitches in the legs can sometimes trigger muscle cramps. Cramps are very common, affecting roughly 60% of adults from time to time. Depending on the cause of the leg twitching, a person may experience additional symptoms, such as: