Treatment of Muscle Cramps in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

A Pilot Study of Hydroxychloroquine for the Treatment of Muscle Cramps in Patients With Cirrhosis

This is a pilot study to see if hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) if safe and effective to use with patients having cramps due to their cirrhotic liver disease.

This project is proposed as a pilot study to gather preliminary data for a full-scale randomized trial to assess the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in the treatment of muscle cramps in patients with cirrhosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• previous diagnosis of cirrhosis
• adult (>21 years)
• able to complete a written questionnaire in English
• stable and ambulatory
• MELD score < 25, Platelet count >25,000

Exclusion Criteria:

• people allergic to hydroxychloroquine, 4-aminoquinolone derivatives or any component of the formulation
• previous diagnosis of retinal or visual field changes attributable to 4-aminoquinolone
• previous diagnosis of porphyria
• previous diagnosis of psoriasis
• fulminant hepatic failure
• pregnant women