Qualaquin Not Approved for Leg Cramps

Q. I tried the soap-under-the-sheet remedy for leg cramps. It was successful, but it didn’t last. Then my doctor prescribed Qualaquin 325 mg capsules, and they work like a charm.
This medication has quinine and is usually used for the treatment of malaria. Now I take one every other night with excellent results.
A. The FDA has only approved Qualaquin (quinine) for the treatment of malaria. Any other use is considered “off label” and inappropriate. On July 8, 2010, the FDA issued the following warning: “Qualaquin should not be used for night time leg cramps.”
The agency has received reports of serious blood reactions and kidney damage. In some cases, people have died from quinine toxicity.
We are sending you our Guide to Leg Pain with suggestions for other ways to calm leg cramps and restless leg syndrome. Some readers have suggested that replacing the soap after several weeks might improve its effectiveness.