Ropinirole for the Treatment of Muscle Cramps in Patients With Cirrhosis

Ropinirole for the Treatment of Muscle Cramps in Patients With Cirrhosis

The investigator's aim is to compare the efficacy of Ropinirole (Requip) to vitamin E in the treatment of muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients.

Muscle cramps are common in liver disease, especially in patients with cirrhosis. Despite the association of muscle cramps with liver disease, there is a paucity of information regarding treatment in these patients. Many treatment options have been reported in the literature but no standard of treatment has been established.

Oral vitamin E replacement has been used successfully in the management of nocturnal muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients. Ropinirole is primarily used for treatment of restless leg syndrome. An off label trial of low dose Ropinirole in clinical practice has shown some success in providing relief of muscle cramps in patients with cirrhosis. This study will compare Ropinirole to vitamin E treatment in a prospective cross-over study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients at least 18 years of age in the Vanderbilt Medical Center Hepatology Practice
• diagnosis of cirrhosis
• Self report regular muscle cramping

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients without cirrhosis
• Patients under the age of 18
• Pregnant women